National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned MPs that around 56% of them may not return to Parliament after the 2027 general elections due to political attrition. Speaking at a legislative retreat in Naivasha, he criticized parliamentary committees for harassing government officials and urged members to plan their pensions. He emphasized leaving a positive legacy through better laws and oversight.
During the National Assembly's agenda-setting retreat for 2026 held in Naivasha on January 27, 2026, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula sharply criticized parliamentary committees, particularly the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Public Investments Committee (PIC), for repeatedly summoning government officials to provide explanations, a practice he said weakens public institutions and delays services to citizens. “Oversight is a constitutional duty, but it should not create an image of undue pressure or cause paralysis in administrative activities,” Wetang’ula stated, citing examples such as the Inspector General of Police and the Teachers Service Commission being called before different committees on similar issues.
He stressed that audit committees must complete their work on time as per Article 229(8) of the Constitution, which gives them three months to consider the Auditor General's reports. “I reiterate my guidance to the audit committees... to ensure they complete their work in a timely manner,” he added.
Wetang’ula reminded MPs of Kenya's political realities, noting an actuarial report shows 56% of current members will not return to Parliament in 2027. “Politics has tension and reality is an unavoidable thing. That is why the legacy of this institution is more important than personal futures,” he said. He advised MPs to plan their pensions to ensure a good life after service, considering current laws provide pensions only after two terms, while one-term MPs receive a refund of three times their contributions plus 15% interest, along with a service gratuity of about Ksh 5.8 million.
He warned against allowing political competition to undermine Parliament's dignity, emphasizing duties to legislate, oversee government, and represent citizens. “Parliament is not judged by the number of laws it passes alone, but by their impact on citizens' lives,” he said, urging MPs to reflect and focus on their constitutional roles in the 17 months remaining before the elections.
