The decision was reached on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, after Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah tabled a motion seeking disciplinary action against the lawmaker.
Ichung’wah argued that the integrity and dignity of the House must be protected from what he termed as reckless and disparaging statements made by its members in public.
Presiding over the session was Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, under whose chairmanship the motion was debated and subsequently approved by lawmakers.
While moving the motion, Ichung’wah invoked Standing Order 108(2), emphasizing the need to rein in a growing culture where legislators publicly criticize Parliament in ways that undermine its credibility.
Presiding over the session was Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, under whose chairmanship the motion was debated and subsequently approved by lawmakers.
While moving the motion, Ichung’wah invoked Standing Order 108(2), emphasizing the need to rein in a growing culture where legislators publicly criticize Parliament in ways that undermine its credibility.
He noted that such remarks, whether made in media interviews, public gatherings, or funerals, erode public confidence in the institution.
The House adopted the motion, effectively barring Kibagendi from attending parliamentary sittings, accessing the precincts of Parliament, or participating in committee work for the duration of the suspension.
The controversy stems from statements Kibagendi made during a televised interview, where he claimed that the National Assembly had been compromised and suggested it had effectively been “auctioned.”
The House adopted the motion, effectively barring Kibagendi from attending parliamentary sittings, accessing the precincts of Parliament, or participating in committee work for the duration of the suspension.
The controversy stems from statements Kibagendi made during a televised interview, where he claimed that the National Assembly had been compromised and suggested it had effectively been “auctioned.”
His remarks sparked immediate backlash among fellow legislators and drew sharp criticism from Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Earlier, on February 17, 2026, Speaker Wetang’ula had already taken action by suspending Kibagendi from House proceedings until he issued a formal apology.
Earlier, on February 17, 2026, Speaker Wetang’ula had already taken action by suspending Kibagendi from House proceedings until he issued a formal apology.
The Speaker termed the comments as bringing Parliament into disrepute and insisted that members must uphold the dignity of the institution.
Despite the directive, Kibagendi is yet to present the required apology, prompting the matter to resurface during Tuesday’s sitting and culminating in the 14-day suspension.
The move, however, has not been without controversy. A section of lawmakers, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, had earlier expressed concerns over the handling of the matter, arguing that disciplinary measures should be balanced with the right to free expression.
With the suspension now in effect, Kibagendi will remain out of parliamentary duties for the stipulated period unless further action is taken or new developments emerge.
Despite the directive, Kibagendi is yet to present the required apology, prompting the matter to resurface during Tuesday’s sitting and culminating in the 14-day suspension.
The move, however, has not been without controversy. A section of lawmakers, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, had earlier expressed concerns over the handling of the matter, arguing that disciplinary measures should be balanced with the right to free expression.
With the suspension now in effect, Kibagendi will remain out of parliamentary duties for the stipulated period unless further action is taken or new developments emerge.
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