Leader of the National Assembly Majority, Kimani Ichung’wah, has voiced his frustration over the chronic lack of quorum in the House, calling out absentee committee leaders for stalling parliamentary business.
Ichung’wah’s comments came after several questions directed to Roads and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir went unanswered due to the absence of committee leaders. “We were in a leadership conference chaired by the Speaker and the Parliamentary Service Commission, where members expressed concerns over attendance, particularly among chairs and vice-chairs,” Ichung’wah stated.
He emphasized the necessity for chairs and vice-chairs to be present in the House at 2:30 PM to facilitate discussions and respond to questions. “With over sixty committee chairs and vice-chairs, there should be no quorum issues,” he argued, highlighting Article 121 of the Constitution, which requires fifty members in the National Assembly and fifteen in the Senate for quorum.
As the National Assembly reconvened following a month-long recess, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss ordered the quorum bell rung when fewer than fifty members were present, underscoring Ichung’wah’s concerns. He warned that members who disregard attendance requirements might face leadership changes, with committee leadership possibly shifting to those who better uphold their duties.
He added, “If you’re a chair or vice-chair, take your role seriously. There are 280 other members ready to assume these responsibilities.” Addressing rumours of impending leadership shifts, Ichung’wah stated that the House would take necessary action against members failing to fulfil their obligations.
He concluded with a stern reminder: “If you don’t have time for the House, do the honorable thing. This is a ‘season of accountability.’
