Concerns about parliamentary corruption in Kenya have resurfaced following new bribery allegations against Members of Parliament. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who chairs the powerful House Powers and Privileges Committee, addressed lawmakers about rampant extortion, despite his committee’s failure to sanction any corrupt members.

• Speaker Wetang’ula highlighted how rogue MPs exploit recruitment drives and audit queries to extort money from state agencies and executive officers.
• The Speaker noted that some MPs act as 'welfare officers' to collect bribes, enabling favorable reports or the deletion of adverse recommendations.
• Despite having the mandate to investigate and sanction members, the Wetang’ula-led committee has not initiated any investigations into breaches of privilege during his three years as Speaker.
• President William Ruto previously accused MPs of creating "money-minting rings" and demanding bribes from Cabinet Secretaries and Governors.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula predicted that over 56% of current Members of Parliament may not be re-elected in the 2027 General Election, urging them to invest in pension schemes. He made these remarks during a three-day legislative retreat in Naivasha.

• Speaker Wetang'ula highlighted the poor public perception of the current parliament and challenging economic times.
• He also addressed complaints from Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries regarding alleged harassment and double summons by different parliamentary committees.
• Other discussions included the upcoming Pension Bill, the privatization of public assets like KPC and Safaricom, the Grade 10 transition, and the need to combat misinformation through the Data Bill as the country approaches elections.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has predicted that over 56% of current Members of Parliament will not be re-elected in the upcoming general election, citing rising political temperatures and public dissatisfaction. He advised lawmakers to invest in pension schemes due to the tough electoral landscape ahead.

• Wetang'ula stated that over 56% of current MPs are unlikely to return, urging them to secure their future with pension investments.
• The Speaker also addressed concerns from Cabinet Secretaries (CS's) and Principal Secretaries (PS’s) regarding “harassment and double summons” by parliamentary committees.
• Deputy Minority Leader Ader Robert Mbui emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the planned privatization of public assets like KPC and Safaricom.
• Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa defended the privatization plan, assuring that funds would go towards development projects, not debt repayment.

A recent actuarial report indicates that more than half of current Kenyan Members of Parliament will likely not be re-elected in the next parliamentary cycle. Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula urged lawmakers to pass a Bill establishing a post-retirement medical scheme for MPs, citing the high attrition rate.

• More than 56 percent of MPs are predicted not to return to Parliament, according to an actuarial report.
• Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is advocating for the passage of the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
• The Bill, sponsored by MP Makali Mulu, seeks to grant the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) the authority to create a voluntary post-retirement medical scheme for MPs, with the government matching contributions.