National Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has cautioned Members of Parliament against undermining public trust through unethical conduct and absenteeism.

He stressed that the credibility of the House depends on how well legislators uphold constitutional values and attend to their duties.

The Speaker was addressing MPs during the official opening of the 3rd Leadership Retreat of the 13th Parliament in Mombasa.

The retreat is themed: “𝐑𝐞-𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲”.

Hon. Wetang’ula noted that public debate in recent weeks had cast doubt on Parliament’s integrity, with allegations of legislators soliciting and receiving inducements to influence legislation.

He said: "I treat this allegation as rumours but as an institution we cannot afford to ignore the growing perception that corruption is infiltrating the law-making process".

“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,” he said.

He reminded legislators that leadership is a sacred calling anchored in Article 73 of the Constitution, which outlines the principles of leadership and integrity, including selflessness, objectivity, accountability and respect for the people of Kenya.

The Speaker challenged MPs to constantly interrogate their actions, asking themselves whether their conduct promotes honour, dignity, impartiality and accountability in line with their positions of public trust.

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

Dr. Wetang’ula highlighted the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, which consolidates existing laws governing the conduct of State Officers.

The Act, he said, provides a stronger framework to prevent abuse of office and protect public confidence in Parliament.

Among its provisions, the law prohibits MPs from granting undue preferential treatment, being influenced by offers of outside employment or engaging in contracts with the Parliamentary Service Commission.

Legislators are also barred from holding interests in entities that contract with the Commission.

Additionally, the Act introduces an enhanced wealth declaration system requiring MPs to file biennial declarations through the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Committee under the oversight of 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 said.

The Speaker reaffirmed his personal commitment to safeguard the dignity of the National Assembly.

Beyond integrity, Hon. Wetang’ula turned attention to the operational challenges of the House, particularly the recurring issue of quorum hitches that have stalled proceedings in recent months.

He faulted MPs and Committee Chairpersons on absentee for delays in moving House Business.

“A committee is as effective as its leader. Chairpersons must not only be in the House when any business under their committees is listed but all the time to serve as an example to members of their committees who skip House sessions,” he said.

While acknowledging that MPs have pressing duties in their constituencies, Wetang’ula said that parliamentary work must take priority when the House is in session.

He urged Members to strike a healthy balance between constituency service and legislative responsibilities.

“I am aware that MPs are on the homestretch of their life in parliament this session. Even as we anticipate a busy schedule for members in the constituencies in the coming months, we must avoid causing unnecessary delays in transacting House business. For the House to deliver on its mandate, diligent attendance is key,” he warned.

Wetang’ula expressed hope that the forum would produce actionable resolutions that address integrity, compliance with the conflict of interest law and strategies to tackle absenteeism in order to restore public confidence in Parliament.

The retreat, now in its third edition under the 13th Parliament, provides an opportunity for MPs to review their performance, foster unity in leadership and set strategies for improved efficiency in delivering on the House’s mandate.