Don't Fear 'Going Home' - Ichung’wah Tells MPs to Focus on Life After Office

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to prioritize their retirement planning instead of worrying about threats from constituents to vote them out in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on the floor of the House on Friday, November 29, Ichung'wa asked his colleagues to put into perspective the future ahead of them above all other political pressures.

“Many MPs are threatened especially around this time. You’ll be told, ‘utatupata 2027, utaenda nyumbani 2027,’ yet you go home every day. So nobody should threaten you that you will go home,” he said. 

“The question you should ask yourself is, the day you will not serve as an MP, how shall things be for you so that you don’t feel threatened by anyone?”

His remarks came during debates on the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which is in its Second Reading. 

Sponsored by Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, the Bill proposes increasing lawmakers’ contributions to their pension scheme to ensure a more secure future after leaving office.

Photo of the Parliament of Kenya in session

At the same time, Ichung’wah shared details of his own pension contributions, stressing the importance of saving for retirement.

“I was checking my last payslip and discovered that every month I contribute Ksh.59,328.50 to the Parliamentary pension scheme. This is cash deducted over and above the National Social Security Fund (NSSF),” he explained.

Addressing common misconceptions, he clarified that lawmakers contribute to their pension from their earnings and do not simply allocate extra benefits for themselves. 

“There’s a misconception that we pass laws that don’t affect us. We know better. It’s true to tell the public, especially the fourth estate, who will say MPs increase their pension. This is money we’re contributing from what we’re already being paid.”

The Bill has sparked lively discussions in Parliament, with supporters highlighting the need for MPs to plan ahead and secure their financial future after public service.