Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has called for the abolition of Kenya’s National Assembly, describing Members of Parliament (MPs) as redundant and ineffective in their roles. During an appearance on the Oga Obinna TV show, Karungo expressed his views on the evolving role of MPs, suggesting that Members of County Assembly (MCAs) could seamlessly assume these responsibilities.
According to Karungo, the functions currently managed by MPs could be efficiently handled by the Senate, which, he believes, is better suited for the job. “We don’t need the MPs because what they are doing, the Senate can do,” he argued. “The Senate can vet Cabinet Secretaries (CSs), then President implements. They can also vet the Inspector General (IG), and the President appoints him. The Senate can even impeach. We don’t need the 300 or so MPs.”
Karungo criticized the large number of MPs in the National Assembly, saying they’ve become “voting machines” for the government, referencing recent events like the passage of the controversial Finance Bill and the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He argued that MPs have lost touch with their constituents, having been reduced to defenders of the executive rather than advocates for the people.
Senator Karungo plans to propose a motion to reduce the influence of MPs, reallocating funds to ministries to ensure the continuity of government projects. Reflecting on his tenure as an MCA, he noted, “When I was an MCA, my role was to ensure the governor used the budget responsibly. The same accountability should be expected from the President.”
Highlighting the importance of grassroots leadership, Karungo emphasized that MCAs, who live among the communities, are better positioned to understand and address their needs. He regards governors as the next essential representatives after MCAs, given their direct interactions with the people.
In a startling disclosure, Karungo claimed he was once offered a significant bribe to support the impeachment of Deputy President Gachagua but declined. “I was given money, but I did not accept it. I have never seen such an amount in my life,” he shared.
Karungo’s comments are likely to spark debate across Kenya, raising questions about the National Assembly’s role and whether reforms are necessary to enhance accountability and representation.
