Much too often, Parliament has failed the test on matters of national importance. The passage of Bills in the august House in the recent past has not been guided by objectivity, but rather by political expediency. The Jubilee-led government has forced through unpopular legislation, like the Security Laws (amendment) Bill 2014 on the basis of the infamous 'tyranny of numbers' in Parliament.
Yet truancy is the norm with grave matters not getting the attention it deserves. Unity of purpose is demonstrated only when MPs are passing legislation on their emoluments and allowances. Political affiliation matters little on such occasions. With the impasse over the future and composition of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) simmering, the much pampered MPs have a chance to rise to the occasion and redeem the image of Parliament.
A meeting of MPs and the Senate to review electoral laws and the composition of IEBC in a bid to break the stalemate between the Opposition (and other stakeholders) and the government is therefore welcome. Kenyans expect that the MPs will apply themselves to the issues at hand and act in their interest. That will happen only in an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding.
One of the sticky points is the appointment of IEBC commissioners. Of the seven members of the panel that selects the commissioners, the law allows the president to appoint four. Clearly, this gives an incumbent an undue advantage over other contestants. The bone of contention is that the appointing authority could lean on the commissioners (who are expected to be independent) to deliver a favourable result.
But at all times, the interest of the public must be at the centre of everything. It should not be an avenue for MPs and politicians to cut deals and self-preserve. Indeed, the way forward should take cognisance of the strict timelines demanded by the 2010 Constitution.
Parliament must demonstrate leadership and professed love for the country by putting its interests first.
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