Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula has urged MPs to engage in honest reflection on their performance and challenges.

Speaking during the opening of the third leadership retreat of the 13th Parliament in Mombasa, Wetangula asked legislators to embrace integrity, discipline and renewed commitment to service delivery amid growing public skepticism.

Wetangula alluded to recent public discussions linking Parliament to monetary inducements in passing legislation.

 “To do right or good, you don’t do it because you are being watched. You do it because it is the right thing to do.” Said Wetangula.

The Speaker also reminded legislators to uphold public trust, warning against corruption and unethical conduct.

“More than at any other time before, doubt has been placed on our integrity as a House. Without integrity, leadership fails. As leaders, we must lead from the front,” he cautioned.

Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss outlined Parliament’s performance through its committees, highlighting vetting of nominees for key constitutional offices, scrutiny of international treaties, and oversight of public funds.

“Audit and Appropriations Committees examined 648 reports of the Auditor-General, while committees across clusters held more than 2,000 sittings. This selfless effort reduced legacy backlogs and sharpened oversight,” she noted.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah underscored the need for Parliament to restore its dignity and relevance.

“I beseech you, let us reclaim the glory and integrity that Parliament comes with in every jurisdiction,” he said.

Ichung’wah added that Parliament must remain focused on priority business, including the Privatization Bill currently undergoing public participation after being declared unconstitutional.

“If the public is not involved and correctly informed on the work of the House, it will be in vain. We must work very closely with the media to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information.”

The Majority Leader also commended MPs for their legislative record, noting that in the Fourth Session a record of 79 sittings, processed 65 Bills; introduced 157 motions; considered 148 committee reports, and laid over 2,300 papers.

“These numbers represent the long days and nights spent by Members executing their duties,” he stated.

Minority Leader Junet Mohamed defended Parliament against what he termed unfair public criticism.

“We are in the middle of the journey where we take stock of how far we have come. We have passed bills on Housing, Health, Roads and others. I think this Parliament has been judged harshly because we are seen as the boogeymen of politics,” he said.

Junet also called for frank discussions on Parliament’s public image and discipline.

“We need a closed-door session to discuss the pertinent issues. It is us sitting here that will determine the discipline of Parliament.”