Wetang'ula tells MPs to 'shed off some weight'

By Peter Ochieng

National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula is urging some Members of Parliament (MP) to ‘shed off’ some weight so as to effectively serve the electorate.

Addressing MPs during the National Assembly Sports Day at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, Nairobi, Wetang’ula said the majority of the legislatures look fit, save for a few of them who need to shed off-some weight.

“You all look very fit apart from a few who have excess weight and should shed it off to work effectively,” the Speaker humorously stated.

He said Parliament has given priority to sports, which is key in uniting the legislatures and parliamentary staff.

“Sports is one of the areas that Parliament gives priority to and I urge staff to embrace sports,” he added. “I commend the youthful workforce that I have seen here today and encourage them to stay fit through sports for optimum performance.”

He humorously noted, “You all look very fit apart from a few who have excess weight and should shed it off to work effectively.”

He emphasized on the importance of parliamentary staff, indicating that Members of Parliament highly depend on them for effective execution of their mandate.

“Whichever department and corner you work, you are very important in Parliament. All of us who work in any office contribute greatly to the success of the 13th Parliament,” he said.

He was elected to the position of Speaker on Thursday, 8th September 2022, during the first sitting of the National Assembly of the 13th Parliament.

Wetang’ula began his political career in 1993 when he was nominated to the 7th Parliament (1993-1997).

He served for five cumulative terms between 1993 and 2013 as Member of the National Assembly representing Sirisia Constituency, and as Senator for Bungoma (2013-2022).

Papa wa Roma as he is known in political circles doubles up For Kenya Party leader.