Alai backs Koimburi’s proposal for MPs to speak Kikuyu in parliament
By Mustafa Juma, March 18, 2026Nairobi Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Kileleshwa Ward, Robert Alai, has backed a proposal by Juja Member of Parliament (MP) George Koimburi to have MPs speak the Kikuyu language for two hours every week.
Taking to his official X account on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Alai endorsed the idea, noting that it should be expanded to the five most spoken local languages.
“I know that many will not like this, but I support the idea. I would expand this to the 5 most spoken local languages,” Alai stated.
Alai further suggested that the parliament should have Hansard translations to every ethnic language in the country, arguing that the translation of English is akin to colonialism.
“Also, we must have Hansard translation to every ethnic language in the land. We can’t be translating the white man’s tool of colonialism like the Bible and not what matters most to us,” he stated.
Koimburi’s proposal
In a video that went viral on social media on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Koimburi explained that the proposal aims to give room for the use of mother tongues in the National Assembly.
He said the proposal will be formally presented in Parliament for consideration, explaining that the time set aside will allow MPs to express themselves in Kikuyu. He added that this will help people feel better represented.
“Na mimi nitahakikisha, nimeleta mswada bungeni tupewe masaa mawili kila wiki ndio tuweze kuongea lugha yetu ya wakikuyu, ndio watu wajue wakikuyu wamewakilishwa vizuri pale bungeni,” Koimburi said.
Koimburi, who recently ditched Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), said the proposal is also about respect and recognition. He explained that Kikuyu speakers should feel valued within the country, noting that the language plays a key role in identity and representation.
“Na wakikuyu ni watu ambao wanafaa waheshimike katika jamhuri ya Kenya,” he said.
He further noted that the use of the mother tongue in Parliament should not be seen as a problem. He explained that Kikuyu is widely spoken and understood by many people.
“Kwa hivyo sisi tunaomba serikali yetu taifa hii mswada ya kuongea lugha ya mama, lugha ya wakikuyu ni lugha ambayo iko na watu wengi,” he remarked.
“Hata makabila wengine wanajua hii lugha ya wakikuyu. Kwa hivyo si vibaya kuongea lugha ya wakikuyu hata tukikua ndani ya bunge.”