National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Members of Parliament to uphold the dignity of the House and embrace criticism as part of their leadership journey.

Addressing lawmakers during a sitting, Wetangula reaffirmed his role as the defender of the Assembly’s integrity, calling on legislators to remain resilient amid heightened political exchanges and regional diplomatic pressures.

“As your Speaker, I shall always be your first and last line of defence for your integrity and the dignity of this House,” Wetangula said. “We cannot insulate ourselves from criticism, both fair and unfair, because that is the cost of leadership.”

The Speaker’s remarks came against the backdrop of rising tensions in Parliament, with lawmakers clashing over oversight responsibilities and the Executive’s role in governance.

Oversight mandate

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah reinforced the Assembly’s constitutional duty to provide checks and balances, urging MPs not to be intimidated in carrying out their oversight role.

“We have men and women who have been elected by the people to represent them and to provide oversight of government on their behalf,” Ichung’wah stated. “We oversee the Judiciary and the Executive because we have that singular role enshrined in the Constitution.”

He further encouraged members to remain fearless in their work. “Nobody should instil fear in you as you do your job, because you are duly elected by the people of Kenya to exercise oversight, even over the Executive, the Office of the President, and the President himself,” he added.

Concerns

The debate intensified when Minority Leader Junet Mohamed criticized what he termed as executive overreach. Citing previous bipartisan setbacks such as the IEBC reforms and the BBI process, Wandayi argued that such initiatives often undermine the House.

“It disheartens me for the President to come before MPs and say he knows that a governor gave people money, and those governors and MPs are not arrested. What does he want us to do? Are we police? If you are the President and you know those who are stealing, why don’t you arrest them?” Wandayi posed.

In his closing remarks, Wetang’ula urged members to act with maturity, reminding them that leadership demands patience and tolerance. With over 40 years in public service, the Speaker’s call comes as Parliament navigates its bicameral responsibilities under the 2010 Constitution and as Kenya manages regional tensions, including a diplomatic row with Tanzania over activist deportations.