Parliament has entered a significant transition phase following the retirement of Chief Serjeant-at-Arms Aloisio Nteperu Lekulo, a long-serving officer who has overseen security and order in the National Assembly for nearly two decades.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced the exit during a farewell dinner held at Parliament Buildings, where lawmakers and staff gathered to honour the veteran administrator.
Mr. Lekulo’s retirement comes at a time when Parliament continues to strengthen its internal security systems, a crucial function given Kenya’s often heated political environment and the increased public scrutiny of legislative processes.
The Serjeant-at-Arms Department, which manages chamber security and ceremonial traditions, plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of legislative proceedings.
In a statement shared on X, Wetang’ula recognised Mr. Lekulo’s rise through the ranks, noting that his 19-year career had shaped the department’s operational standards.
The Speaker also highlighted his mentorship of officers popularly known within parliamentary circles as the “men in green,” who form the backbone of day-to-day security operations in the chamber.
Wetang’ula, who chairs the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), announced that the commission had approved lifetime access privileges for the outgoing official.
According to the Speaker, this gesture reflects the institution’s appreciation for exemplary public service and aims to preserve institutional memory as Parliament adjusts to new leadership in the department.
Colleagues who attended the dinner credited Mr. Lekulo with strengthening procedural order during some of Parliament’s most contentious sessions, including moments marked by walkouts, heated budget debates, and high-stakes electoral cycles.
His oversight has often been instrumental in managing disruptions while ensuring lawmakers adhere to House rules.
Kenya’s parliamentary security structures have evolved significantly in the past decade, particularly after the 2010 Constitution expanded legislative responsibilities and increased public participation.
Officers under the Serjeant-at-Arms are now central to managing the growing number of committee hearings, visitor engagements, and ceremonial events tied to the bicameral parliamentary system.
As Mr. Lekulo steps down, the PSC is expected to guide the transition to new leadership within the Serjeant-at-Arms Department.
The succession process will be closely watched, given the department’s influence on legislative order, operational continuity, and the overall functioning of the National Assembly.
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