Elected Members of Parliament (MPs) were on Wednesday surprised to learn that the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) medical scheme now covers only a single spouse.
According to the scheme, only the MP or Senator and a maximum of five dependents are covered.
Family members covered include one spouse and four children aged under 25 years who are dependent on the legislator.
Most legislators are said to be polygamous and the new rule was a rude shock for Budalang'i MP-elect Raphael Wanjala, who is making a comeback after a 10-year absence.
Mr Wanjala, who has more than one wife, expressed disappointment with the requirement, which he said was not there in the 8th and 9th parliaments.
"What will some of us with more than one wife do? It is unfair of Parliament to cater for one spouse in the medical insurance for MPs.
"It should have remained as it was in the past when we were allowed to give the details of two wives and five children," said Mr Wanjala.
Despite the restriction, he went ahead to include the names of two wives in the medical form.
Sirisia MP John Waluke and Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon) echoed the same sentiments saying the condition could end up splitting families where there was more than one wife.
"It is not fair to have a medical insurance scheme that covers only one spouse when it is a known fact that most legislators are polygamous.
"This is tantamount to breaking up families," said Mr Waluke.
Mr Kapondi, who is returning to Parliament after five years, however, stated that they would have to comply.
"MPs with more than one wife will have to adapt to the new changes as we have no choice," he said.
According to Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye, who is also the PSC secretary, MPs and senators are entitled to benefits of Sh10 million per family per year for inpatient services, Sh300,000for outpatient and Sh150,000 for maternity care per family.
