Silent MPs

 By Alex Ndegwa

They are the least spoken Members of Parliament and due to the low profile even the public can hardly recognise their faces.

In the Chamber, these seemly nondescript MPs often occupy seats at the backbenches almost as if conveniently avoiding action.

They seem unnoticeable as they stream in the Chamber and equally will slip out without stirring attention — and most likely without uttering a word.

Even when the House is engulfed in heated debate like the politically charged censure Motions, these laidback MPs hardly stake out their necks, preferring to follow the battle from the comfort of their seats. They are silent listeners to every rage.

Considering the 2007 General Election was the most bruising ever, it is surprising how anyone who made the cut could end up a sitting duck.

The Standard on Sunday sought out these MPs and they vehemently fought off suggestions they are simply whiling away time in the August House.

Debutants

They come from across the political divide, majority are debutants in Parliament, professionals, but somehow even live TV coverage of House proceedings has not nudged them to the microphone.

But they are unapologetic for not often seeking to catch the Speaker’s eye to either contribute to debate or ask questions saying: Talk is cheap.

The MPs argue simply because they do not join the fray in every controversial matter that comes up in the House does not mean they are sleeping on the job.

The lawmakers explain they are effective at the grassroots helping their constituents and have endeavoured to contribute to Bills and Motions in which they are knowledgeable.

It is unclear whether they play a more visible role in committees since past proceedings were not public.

Coincidentally, all those we spoke to said they were at their respective constituencies for the weekend with their diaries listing such engagements like officiating schools’ prize giving days, inspecting projects, and spending time at the Constituency Development Funds offices.

Some of the MPs are from constituencies once represented by firebrand politicians such as Kenneth Matiba, Koigi wa Wamwere and Joseph Kamotho.

Likoni MP Mwalimu Masoud Mwahima conceded it is nightmarish for him to make a statement in Parliament. Mwahima is jittery "of speaking to the country through the microphone that is received countrywide on KBC-TV".

"This, however, does not mean I do not serve my Likoni people. I know the many avenues of approaching relevant ministries for assistance to my people without shouting in Parliament," he said.

"Please listen to us," pleaded the burly MP, who regretted many people looked down upon him as someone who does not speak good English.

"We do not work using television. If you expect me to handle our politics using the television, it would not happen."

Saying he had several projects under way, Mwahima said, "Shouting using the microphones does not mean one was a super MP," adding, the constituents were only interested in service delivery.

It’s not about education

The MP said he was elected to Parliament because his people understood him well and had nothing to do with education. A resident, Mwinyi Mbaruk, said the MP was one of the most respected legislators in the region because he never fails to honour invitations.

Kandara MP James Kamau said one could be outspoken and not necessarily productive while another may appear inactive but is thorough.

"We cannot all be noisemakers," Kamau (PNU) said. "Some talk could be unproductive. What’s more important is to know what you are doing."

He said too much involvement in national politics at the expense of constituency affairs does not help an MP’s cause "because at the end of the day it is the constituents who will make the final call."

Kiharu’s Barnabas Mwangi (Sisi kwa Sisi) appeared to read from the same script, posing the question: "Would you prefer a noisemaker for an MP or a person who quietly works behind-the-scenes?"

Mwangi explained in Parliament his contributions are related to specific issues he grasps such as education and local authorities where he had stints.

"I am a small-scale farmer with a six-acre farm of grafted mangoes. The plight of farmers is dear to me," he said.

"I invite you to come to Kiharu and ask the people how I am faring," said the MP of the area once represented by second liberation hero Matiba.

Mr Nelson Gaichuhie (Subukia, PNU) said "talk is cheap" and he is hardly the type to be heard "complaining everywhere about everything".

"Those who are outspoken almost always are engaged in blame game and finger pointing. Either blaming the Government for this or that or fighting others without offering solutions to the problems," Gaichuhie said.

The laidback MP, who dislodged outspoken Koigi, said he had opted to take the lead to improve the welfare of his constituents.

North Mugirango’s Wilfred Ombui said Parliament had taken on a trend to discuss controversial issues that only generated more heat than light.

"I am afraid Parliament is concentrating on issues that are unhelpful to Kenyans, whose motive is to settle political scores," he said. "We are treated to high drama whenever maize scandal is debated but there is no evidence to support the claims."

Food shortage

The ODM MP defended his record saying he had chosen to discuss matters he is conversant with, citing contributions to the Accountants and Sacco Bills.

The ODM-Kenya MP for Bura, Abdi Nuh, could be unknown to Kenyans but he defends his record saying he had lobbied Government and other agencies to fight food shortage and water crisis.

Dr Nuh — who enthused there are many interpretations to the law as there are lawyers in reference to differing opinions during heated debate on the leadership of Government Business — said he is a lobbyist.

"I handle my politics through lobbying and creating change to my people now and for ever," said the MP.

The veterinary doctor said the Government has built several water dams in Bura to assist pastoralists and had identified 650,000 acres of land for agriculture by irrigation to boost food security.

Mr Bakari Bajaber, a Bura resident, however is not amused. "I live in Bura Town and I am not aware of the MP discussing serious issues about this region," Bajaber said.

Kitui West MP Charles Nyamai (Narc) said one does not need to be too loud in Parliament, adding their visibility was at the constituency.

"One needs to concentrate on grassroots operations while at the same time making contributions in Parliament," said Nyamai.

Mr Itwiku Mbai ODM-Kenya’s MP for Masinga, defended the ‘silent MPs’ saying their contributions are sometimes not captured in the media.

Silence is a strategy

The second term legislator said: "You do not need to be flamboyant while at the ground you are not being felt. Silence is also a strategy."

Mr Clement Waibara (Gatundu North, Pick), Charles Onyancha (Bonchari, ODM), Nemesyus Warugongo (Kieni, PNU), Cyprian Omollo (Uriri, ODM), Edwin Yinda (Alego-Usoga, ODM) and Alfred Odhiambo (Butula, ODM) could not be reached.

Others are Daniel Muoki (Mwala, ODM-Kenya), Isaac Muoki (Mutomo, ODM-Kenya), Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central, ODM), Evans Bulimo (Khwisero, ODM), Francis Chachu (North Horr, ODM) and Maison Leshomo (Nominated).

Additional reporting by Ngumbao Kithi and Mutinda Mwanzia

 

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