The decision was reached on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, after Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah moved a motion seeking disciplinary action against the legislator.
Ichung’wah argued that Kibagendi’s comments undermined the integrity and dignity of the House, warranting immediate intervention.
The session, presided over by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, saw lawmakers rally behind the motion, which was anchored on Standing Order 108(2).
The session, presided over by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, saw lawmakers rally behind the motion, which was anchored on Standing Order 108(2).
The rule allows the House to suspend a member for conduct deemed grossly disorderly or damaging to Parliament’s reputation.
While tabling the motion, Ichung’wah expressed concern over what he termed as an emerging trend of MPs making disparaging remarks about Parliament in public forums.
While tabling the motion, Ichung’wah expressed concern over what he termed as an emerging trend of MPs making disparaging remarks about Parliament in public forums.
He noted that such conduct erodes public confidence in legislative institutions and must be curtailed.
“It has become customary for some members to go out to media stations, funerals, and other public platforms and make statements that cast Parliament in a negative light. We must be the first to protect the dignity of this House,” he told MPs.
The House overwhelmingly approved the motion, effectively barring Kibagendi from attending plenary sittings, accessing parliamentary precincts, and participating in committee activities for the duration of the suspension.
The disciplinary action stems from remarks Kibagendi made during a televised interview, where he claimed that the National Assembly had been compromised and suggested it had effectively been “auctioned.”
“It has become customary for some members to go out to media stations, funerals, and other public platforms and make statements that cast Parliament in a negative light. We must be the first to protect the dignity of this House,” he told MPs.
The House overwhelmingly approved the motion, effectively barring Kibagendi from attending plenary sittings, accessing parliamentary precincts, and participating in committee activities for the duration of the suspension.
The disciplinary action stems from remarks Kibagendi made during a televised interview, where he claimed that the National Assembly had been compromised and suggested it had effectively been “auctioned.”
The comments triggered sharp reactions from fellow legislators, many of whom termed the allegations as reckless and unfounded.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had earlier taken issue with the remarks, terming them as a serious affront to the institution. On February 17, 2026, Wetang’ula ordered Kibagendi’s suspension from House sittings until he issued a formal apology.
At the time, the Speaker defended his ruling, emphasizing that maintaining order and respect within Parliament is essential for its proper functioning. He insisted that while criticism is allowed, statements that bring the House into disrepute cannot be tolerated.
“For a member to allege that this House has been auctioned is unacceptable. Such claims damage the credibility of Parliament and the trust placed in it by Kenyans,” Wetang’ula stated during the earlier proceedings.
However, Kibagendi did not issue the apology as directed, prompting the matter to resurface in Tuesday’s session. This ultimately led to the formal 14-day suspension passed by the House.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers, with some supporting the disciplinary action as necessary to uphold institutional integrity, while others view it as a potential limitation on freedom of expression within Parliament.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino had previously criticized the initial suspension, arguing that members should be allowed to voice concerns about the conduct of the House without fear of punitive measures.
With the suspension now in effect, Kibagendi will remain out of parliamentary duties for two weeks unless further action is taken.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had earlier taken issue with the remarks, terming them as a serious affront to the institution. On February 17, 2026, Wetang’ula ordered Kibagendi’s suspension from House sittings until he issued a formal apology.
At the time, the Speaker defended his ruling, emphasizing that maintaining order and respect within Parliament is essential for its proper functioning. He insisted that while criticism is allowed, statements that bring the House into disrepute cannot be tolerated.
“For a member to allege that this House has been auctioned is unacceptable. Such claims damage the credibility of Parliament and the trust placed in it by Kenyans,” Wetang’ula stated during the earlier proceedings.
However, Kibagendi did not issue the apology as directed, prompting the matter to resurface in Tuesday’s session. This ultimately led to the formal 14-day suspension passed by the House.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers, with some supporting the disciplinary action as necessary to uphold institutional integrity, while others view it as a potential limitation on freedom of expression within Parliament.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino had previously criticized the initial suspension, arguing that members should be allowed to voice concerns about the conduct of the House without fear of punitive measures.
With the suspension now in effect, Kibagendi will remain out of parliamentary duties for two weeks unless further action is taken.
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