Wetang’ula urges MPs to uphold integrity amid ethical concerns

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned MPs gainst actions that could erode public trust in the legislature.

The speaker emphasised the critical importance of ethics and consistent attendance in fulfilling their duties.

Wetang'ula was addressing MPs during the official opening of the 3rd Leadership Retreat of the 13th Parliament in Mombasa, themed 'Re-invigorating Synergy in Leadership for Accelerated Discharge of the Mandate of the National Assembly'.

Wetang’ula underscored that the credibility of Parliament depends heavily on lawmakers’ adherence to constitutional values and their commitment to public service.

In recent weeks, public discourse has spotlighted allegations that some legislators have solicited or accepted inducements to sway legislative processes.

While Wetang’ula referred to these accusations as rumours, he stressed that the institution cannot ignore growing perceptions suggesting corruption’s creeping influence within law-making.

“More than at any other time before, doubt has been placed on our integrity as a House. Without integrity, leaders lose credibility among the people they lead. Without integrity, even the best-executed roles are without impact. Without integrity, leadership fails,” the Speaker declared.

He reminded MPs that leadership is a sacred responsibility upheld by Article 73 of the Constitution, which demands leadership anchored in principles such as selflessness, objectivity, accountability, and respect for the citizens of Kenya.

Wetang’ula challenged legislators to continually assess whether their conduct reflects honour, dignity, impartiality, and accountability — core values inherent to their positions of public trust.

“The question of integrity is not about convenience. It is about doing what is right,” he affirmed.

The Speaker also spotlighted the recent enactment of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025.

This law strengthens the legal framework for regulating the conduct of state officers, including MPs, to prevent abuse of office and enhance public confidence in Parliament.

Key provisions of the Act prohibit MPs from granting undue preferential treatment, being influenced by offers of outside employment, or entering into contracts with the Parliamentary Service Commission.

The law also bars legislators from holding interests in entities that contract with the Commission.

Furthermore, the Act introduces an enhanced wealth declaration system requiring MPs to submit biennial asset declarations to the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Committee, overseen by 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,” Wetang’ula instructed.

Reaffirming his commitment to protect the dignity of the National Assembly, Wetang’ula urged MPs to rededicate themselves to principled leadership and restore public confidence in the institution.