Ichung’wah Warns Absentee Committee Leaders
By Erick Ludeya
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has issued a strong warning to committee chairpersons and vice-chairpersons, stating that repeated absences from House sessions could lead to their impeachment.
This warning follows frustration over the absence from the House of some members whose questions have been scheduled to be responded to by Cabinet Secretaries.
Ichung’wah (Kikuyu) emphasized that with over sixty committee chairs and vice-chairs, quorum should not be an issue in the National Assembly
Referring to Article 121 of the Constitution, which requires a quorum of fifty members in the National Assembly and fifteen in the Senate, Ichung’wah stressed the importance of consistent attendance.
He noted that there are enough committee leaders to meet these requirements if they fulfill their responsibilities.
As the National Assembly resumed after a month-long recess, Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei ordered the quorum bell to be rung due to few numbers of legislators being present.
Ichung’wah reminded committee chairs and vice-chairs of their duty, saying, “We were in the leadership conference last week, where members raised concerns about attendance, especially from chairs and vice-chairs.”
He added, “If you are a chair or vice-chair, you must be present in the House at 2:30 PM. The Speaker should not be left waiting for quorum because of absentee members, especially those responsible for leading discussions and responding to questions.”
Ichung’wah emphasized the role of committee leaders in facilitating House business by providing responses and updates on legislative matters. He cautioned that absenteeism leaves questions directed to Cabinet Secretaries unanswered, thus delaying the legislative process.
Addressing committee leaders directly, he stated, “If you’re a chair or vice-chair, take your role seriously. Otherwise, there are 280 other members ready to assume these responsibilities.”
Ichung’wah further remarked, “If you don’t have time for the House, do the honorable thing. This is, after all, what Junet Mohamed called a ‘season of impeachment.’ I’m not pushing for impeachment, but those who neglect their duties may face it.”
Last week, during a leadership retreat in Naivasha, Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula, also cautioned committee chairs and vice-chairs against frequent absences, emphasizing that consistent attendance is essential for House business.
He reminded them of the privilege and responsibility their roles entail, noting, “The least you can do is consistently attend House sessions and actively promote parliamentary business.”
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