Shape up or ship out, Ichung’wah tells absentee committee chairs

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Majority Leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah has told committee chairpersons and their deputies who cannot attend House sessions to resign.

Mr Ichung’wah said it was unacceptable for committees to repeatedly lack leadership when questions are raised on the floor.

“Mr Speaker, whenever I am not around, my deputy Owen Baya, the Majority Whip or his deputy steps in. The Minority Leader does the same. Their deputies take charge. There are many able members who can lead these committees,” he said.

The Kikuyu MP added that there was no reason for leaders to enjoy privileges, but fail to perform their duties.

“We can’t have committee chairpersons and deputies who are always absent when required,” he said, suggesting the issue be addressed during the forthcoming leadership retreat.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula supported the proposal, saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Ironically, moments after the warning, Education Committee Chairperson Julius Melly was unavailable to respond to a question from Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Mejadong.