Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa called for the abolition of Kenya’s National Assembly, arguing Members of Parliament (MPs) are redundant and ineffective.
In an interview at the Oga Obinna TV show, Karungo expressed his opinion on the role of MPs in the National Assembly stating that the Members of County Assembly (MCAs) can easily handle their work.
According to the Senator, the functions currently performed by MPs could be easily and efficiently handled by the Senate.
“We don’t need the MPs because what they are doing, the Senate can do. The Senate can vet Cabinet Secretaries (CSs), and the 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 stated.
The Senator criticized the large number of MPs, saying that they have failed to listen to their constituents and have become “voting machines” for the government, citing the recent passage of the controversial Finance Bill and the impeachment of the Deputy President based on allegations.
“An MP is elected, then they travel to Nairobi, leaving the people they were elected to represent behind,” he said, adding that MPs have strayed from their duty of holding the President accountable and instead focus on defending the executive.
Karungo has further proposed a motion that will be discussed to reduce the influence of politicians and redirect funds to ministries, ensuring that government projects continue, regardless of the presence or absence of MPs.
“When I was an MCA for five years, my work was to ensure the governor utilized the money in the budget. The same should apply at the national level; the President should be held accountable for how the budget is spent, not defended by MPs,” he stated. The Senator went on to emphasize the importance of grassroots leadership, stating that MCAs are the most critical representatives in the country because they live among the people and understand their needs.
“Governors are the second most important leaders because they also directly interact with the people they represent,” he said.
Karungo also made a revelation, claiming he was offered money to support the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, but he refused.
