NASA and Jubilee leaders serving in the National Assembly on Wednesday had a rare moment of unity as they discussed their welfare in Parliament.

The MPs made contributed during a motion to approve members of the committee on Welfare of Members.

The Leader of the Minority, who is also the ODM Chairman John Mbadi, started by noting that the committee on welfare would need to improve on the quality of food served to MPs.

The session marked the first time that the Opposition MPs had sat to debate a motion, after they initially called for a boycott late last year.

He further complained that the state of the gyms at Parliament was in bad state, forcing most members to resort to using private facilities at their own cost.

Camel milk

Mbadi’s call for improvement in the gym facility received wide support from MPs across the board.

Majority Leader Aden Duale claimed that the restaurant at Parliament did not offer any variety to the patrons.

“They do not even ask if you want tea or coffee, or water, or if you want camel milk,” Duale stated.

Seme MP Dr James Nyikal complained that the gym instructors were not serious with their work and would not even bother to advise MPs on the right fitting exercise.

“Some of us go there and they do not bother telling you that you have been adding getting more round despite working out,” Nyikal stated.

State of Toilets

Jubilee Deputy Minority Leader Jimmy Angwenyi noted called on the members of the welfare committee to improve the facilities.

As the concern about the gym gained momentum, National Assembly speaker broke the ice – joking that some MPs were over-eating.

Some of the MPs went ahead to complain about the state of the toilets which they complained were no up to their “honourable standards”.

There were also complains about a new rule requiring MPs to carry staff cards – which they termed as uncomfortable.