National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has urged fellow Members of Parliament not to feel intimidated by threats from their constituents about the 2027 elections.
He encouraged them to otherwise, focus on securing their future rather than worrying about being voted out.
Speaking during a Parliamentary session, Ichung’wah pointed out that many MPs face threats such as, “Utaenda nyumbani 2027” (You’ll go home in 2027).
However, he reminded them that they already return to their homes daily and should not feel pressured by such statements.
Instead, he advised them to think about life after leaving office and prioritize their pensions to ensure financial security during retirement.
Ichung’wah emphasized the importance of planning for the future. He said MPs should use their current positions to contribute to their pension schemes and prepare for any eventualities after retirement.
Parliamentary Pensions
He further encouraged his colleagues to support the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which is currently in the Second Reading stage.
This Bill, sponsored by Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, seeks to increase lawmakers’ contributions to their pension fund.
Ichung’wah shared details about his own contributions. He revealed that every month, he pays Ksh.59,328.50 towards the Parliamentary pension scheme.
This is in addition to mandatory contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). He clarified that the funds come from their salaries and are not additional perks, countering the misconception that MPs pass laws that benefit them unfairly.
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He also addressed the public and media, highlighting that the pension contributions are personal deductions from MPs’ earnings.
This, he explained, is a step towards responsible financial planning to cater to medical emergencies and other needs in the future.
The session served as a reminder to MPs about the importance of preparing for life beyond politics while debunking myths about their pensions.
Ichung’wah’s remarks also underscored the need for lawmakers to focus on long-term goals rather than short-term threats.