Kenyan Parliament Advances Bill to Empower Citizens to Recall MPs and MCAs
Nairobi, The Gulf Observer: Kenya’s Parliament is moving forward with a high-profile initiative to enact legislation enabling voters to recall underperforming or misconduct-tainted Senators, Members of Parliament (MPs), and County Assembly Members (MCAs). The Senate’s Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights Committee has initiated the development of a legal and policy framework to guide the recall process.
Under current constitutional provisions (Articles 97 and 98), Kenyan voters hold the right to recall their representatives, but no specific legal guidelines exist to operationalize this power. The new legislation — expected to be tabled by February 26, 2026 — will outline the grounds and procedures by which elected and nominated lawmakers can be removed from office.
Senators have directed the Office of the Attorney General to craft a draft policy and bill, with input from key stakeholders including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Kenya Law Reform Commission, and the National Gender and Equality Commission eastleighvoice.co.ke. The AG’s office has a six-month mandate to produce an update on progress, including draft proposals backed by public consultation.
If the framework is not delivered in time, the Senate has pledged to amend the Elections Act and County Governments Act itself to guarantee effective recall mechanisms are in place before the 2027 General Elections.
Supporters of the bill argue it will enhance public accountability and incentivize legislators to act with integrity, knowing they may be ousted for failure to perform facebook.com. Crucially, the proposed laws would extend recall powers to both elected and nominated officials — filling a considerable gap in current oversight that leaves nominated MCAs and MPs immune to such mechanisms.
As Kenya approaches its next general election, the passage of this landmark legislation could significantly transform democratic accountability and strengthen the bond between citizens and their representatives.
