MPs must re-think role as law makers, not breakers

Despite engaging in arguably the most disgraceful conduct in Kenya’s parliamentary history last December, several MPs—some of whom were caught on camera behaving badly—have only gotten away with mild warning by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.
The Speaker’s argument is that punishing the wayward legislators would provoke furious response, hence worsen an already bad situation in a House where party differences often lead to acrimonious debates and extreme positions even on issues that would be better approached with sobriety and on non-partisan basis.
Granted, it may be hard for many to reconcile the behaviour of some MPs during the debate on the controversial security laws with their continued role and image as honourable members of the august House.
But as Speaker Muturi said on Tuesday, the best way to address the ignominious events of that day is to encourage dialogue and inculcate the culture of give and take as a way of solving differences of opinion among legislators.
It will be recalled that the acrimonious session was partly contributed to by the adamant refusal by both sides of the political divide to hear each other out: The government side decided to steamroll the legislation through Parliament against stiff resistance from the Opposition, the media and civil society organisations, while the Opposition refused to see the urgency of putting in place legal measures to rein in the worsening security situation.
Although Muturi’s reconciliatory approach to the matter may not be music to the ears of many, it should serve to inspire deep soul-searching among members. Our legislators have often been accused of a litany of sins, including a propensity to put their interests before everything else, but the madness that took over the House on December 18 was a new low—even for them.
Parliament must use the new session not just to mend its tattered image by doing the right thing, but also try to rediscover its role as the true representative of the interests of Kenyans. As the ultimate lawmaking institution, the Assembly must be seen to be leading by example in abiding by the law—and not as a House of serial lawbreakers.
Parliament’s dignity will only be restored if MPs are seen to carry themselves around with the decorum befitting their exalted status, respect their own Standing Orders and the regular laws that apply to the rest of us. Those who break the law in and out of Parliament must not expect to get different treatment from ordinary Kenyans.
If they should be given any special handling, it should be more severe punishment for behaving in a manner which brings disrepute and ridicule to the positions and institution that Kenyans should be looking up to for direction and leadership.