National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has backed plans to establish a pension scheme for Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) saying they deserve financial security after leaving office.
Speaking during the burial of former Bunyala Central Ward Ford Kenya MCA Fred Musirimba at Namalo Primary School in Budalang’i Constituency, Busia County on Friday , Speaker Wetang’ula said the proposed County Assemblies Pension Scheme Bill 2024 would help provide social protection for MCAs after retirement.
The Speaker said he had engaged the leadership of the County Assemblies Forum and facilitated legal and research support to strengthen the proposed law.
“I met the leadership of the County Assemblies Forum and facilitated legal and research support to improve the proposed Bill. If passed into law, it will support leaders after they retire from politics,” he said.
The Bill seeks to establish a contributory pension scheme for MCAs after serving in office.
Responding to appeals by former MCAs to also benefit from the arrangement, Mr Wetang’ula explained that the current law only allows ex gratia payments because former ward representatives did not contribute to any pension scheme during their term in office.
He acknowledged the financial difficulties facing many former MCAs and said the proposed legislation would cushion them after leaving public service.
“MCAs play an important role in the running and stability of devolved governments and they deserve a pension after retirement. I hope MPs will pass the Bill once it is tabled in the House,” he added.
At the same event, Wetang’ula praised ODM leaders for supporting the broad-based government arrangement saying the cooperation had strengthened national unity, political stability and inclusive governance.
He singled out ODM leader Oburu Oginga for promoting unity across political parties for the benefit of Kenyans.
The burial ceremony also took a political tone as leaders renewed calls for the deputy president position to be allocated to the Luhya community in the 2027 General Election.
Webuye East MP Martin Pepela said leaders from the region had agreed to push for one of their own to occupy the position.
“Our MPs have agreed that the deputy president’s slot should go to one of our own. We deserve the position because we have the numbers and qualified leaders,” said Hon. Pepela.
Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala said the community was ready for the position, adding that Western Kenya’s long-term political ambition was to produce a president after President William Ruto’s second term.
Speaker Wetang’ula, Wanjala and Pepela urged the Luhya community to unite and strengthen its political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
They said the region had the numbers needed to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Wanjala, however, warned leaders against divisions that could weaken Western Kenya’s bargaining power.
