Former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Wilson Sossion has defended the suspension of Bumula Member of Parliament (MP) Jack Wamboka, saying the move was justified to uphold integrity and discipline in Parliament.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Sossion emphasised that Members of Parliament are bound by strict ethical standards from the moment they are inducted into office.

According to him, MPs undergo structured orientation processes that clearly outline expectations on personal conduct, integrity, and professionalism both within parliamentary chambers and in their public and private lives.

These standards, he argued, are not optional but form the foundation of public trust in legislative institutions.

Sossion stated that any deviation from these expectations, especially in official settings such as parliamentary committees, constitutes a serious breach, pointing out that committees of the National Assembly often interact with witnesses, stakeholders, and members of the public, making it imperative for their leadership to uphold the highest levels of decorum.

“When a member or chair of a committee mishandles witnesses or guests of the National Assembly, it is a serious breach,” he said, adding that the Speaker’s move to expel Wamboka from his leadership role was warranted under the circumstances.

The decision to suspend Wamboka was announced by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, who said the importance of preserving the credibility of parliamentary oversight functions. She explained that the suspension is a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding public confidence in the committee as investigations into the accusations proceed.

“In order to safeguard public trust in the work of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education in the discharge of its mandate during the pendency of the inquiry, I am further persuaded to suspend the Honourable Jack Wanami Wamboka, MP, from chairing the committee during this period,” Shollei stated.

The Deputy Speaker was also clear that the parliamentary inquiry does not limit the scope of investigations. She noted that other law enforcement agencies remain free to pursue independent probes into the allegations facing the MP.

This clarification signals the seriousness with which the matter is being treated, reflecting growing calls for accountability in public office.

The controversy surrounding Wamboka stems from complaints by witnesses who appeared before the committee, some of whom accused him of harassment and misconduct during proceedings. These concerns were significant enough to attract the attention of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), which formally raised the issue with Parliament.

As the inquiry unfolds, leadership of the influential watchdog committee remains a key concern. Shollei reminded the House that, under standing orders, the chairmanship of the committee is reserved for the minority party.

She directed the minority leadership to nominate an interim chairperson, ensuring continuity in the committee’s oversight role.

While the current Vice Chairperson, Boyd Were, is an option, Shollei indicated that his recent entry into Parliament may limit his ability to immediately assume full leadership responsibilities. As a result, the committee may either allow him to preside temporarily or elect another interim chair from among its members.

To strengthen the ongoing investigation, additional MPs, Samuel Chepkonga, Sarah Korere, and Robert Gichimu, have been co-opted into the Committee on Powers and Privileges, which is handling the inquiry. Chepkonga will chair the committee tasked with examining the allegations and recommending further action.