Speaker Wetang'ula warns MPs against corruption, absenteeism

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Members of Parliament to comply with the newly enacted Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, saying it is key to restoring public trust in Parliament.

Opening the 3^rd Leadership Retreat of the 13^th Parliament in Mombasa, Mr Wetang’ula said the law consolidates the conduct of State officers and introduces strict measures to ensure accountability.

The Act bars MPs from granting undue preferential treatment, being influenced by offers of outside employment, or engaging in contracts with the Parliamentary Service Commission. Legislators are also prohibited from holding interests in entities that contract with the Commission.

It further introduces an enhanced wealth declaration system requiring MPs to file biennial declarations through the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Committee under the oversight of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

“In this regard, I direct the Clerk to urgently apprise Members of the new modalities of submission of the initial declarations to ensure compliance within the prescribed timelines,” Mr Wetang’ula said.

The Speaker also addressed growing public concerns over corruption in the House, particularly claims of legislators soliciting inducements to influence legislation.

“I treat this allegation as rumours but as an institution we cannot afford to ignore the growing perception that corruption is infiltrating the law-making process,” he said.

Mr Wetang’ula stressed that integrity was central to leadership, warning that without it leaders lose credibility and fail in their mandate. He reminded MPs that leadership is a sacred calling anchored in Article 73 of the Constitution, which demands selflessness, accountability, and respect for the people.

Turning to absenteeism, he faulted MPs and Committee Chairpersons for stalling business by failing to attend House sittings.

“A committee is as effective as its leader. Chairpersons must not only be in the House when any business under their committees is listed but all the time, to serve as an example to members of their committees who skip House sessions,” he said.

While acknowledging constituency obligations, he insisted that parliamentary work must take priority when the House is in session.

“I am aware that MPs are on the homestretch of their life in Parliament this session. Even as we anticipate a busy schedule for members in the constituencies in the coming months, we must avoid causing unnecessary delays in transacting House business. For the House to deliver on its mandate, diligent attendance is key,” he said.

The retreat, themed “Re-invigorating Synergy in Leadership for Accelerated Discharge of the Mandate of the National Assembly”, seeks to strengthen integrity, compliance with the new law and improve attendance to restore public confidence in Parliament.