Suna West MP Peter Masara was on Wednesday forced to clarify his mental state after Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah accused him of being unstable.
Ichung'wah, who is also the National Assembly Majority leader launched the tirade against his fellow MP during a vote on amendments to civil aviation protocols shortly after Masara shouted.
During the session, Ichung'wah claimed that mentally unstable individuals live freely in society and suggested that some of them serve as lawmakers, indirectly referring to Masara, whom he claimed voted without understanding the proceedings.
In response to these accusations, Masara clarified his mental state to dispel any doubts about his capability to fulfill his role as an MP.
“I want to state clearly that am of sound mind which is why I have been elected twice,” MP Peter Masara clarified.
Following the development, Masara requested Ichung'wah to withdraw the statement and apologize to him and the people of Suna West.
Masara observed that Ichung'wah's statement painted the entire Suna West constituency in bad light since his constituents overwhelmingly voted for him.
The MP appealed to his colleagues to be sensitive in how they address such matters in the chambers since they are leaders and are expected to set a good example.
Besides Masara, other MPs also condemned Ichung'wah, observing that he should carry himself in a better manner since he holds the position of National Assembly Majority Leader.
“If it goes on record the word of Ichung'wah that MP Masara is not of sound mind, how will generations going to know that it was said in jest,” Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli posed.
This comes even as data published by The Kenyan National Commission of Human Rights estimates that 25% and 40% of outpatients and inpatients suffer from mental health conditions.
The most frequent diagnoses of mental illnesses made in general hospital settings are depression, substance abuse, stress, and anxiety disorders
Politicians and leaders, by virtue of their high standing in society are expected to be sensitive when talking about the matter.
