Parliamentary Committees carry out work on behalf of Parliament. MPs have differed over reports tabled in the last session of Parliament. Political Reporter DAVID OHITO interviewed Nambale MP Chris Okemo and his Matungu counterpart David Were on House business.
QUESTION: Are parliamentary watchdog committees carrying out their work effectively?
OKEMO: Some Parliamentary committees have done commendable jobs. The Public Account Committee has tried and is still working on reports to be tabled. Public Investments Committee has been relatively quiet, but says it is working behind curtains. Only time will tell when they finally table reports before the House.
QUESTION: Parliament reopens today. Do you think the House should support minimum and comprehensive reforms at the same time?
ANSWER: We should embark straight on comprehensive reforms. The Parliamentary Select Committee should provide a road map with a date when a new constitution would be delivered. We failed before with minimum reforms when Ms Martha Karua’s proposals were shot down in the House.
QUESTION: What challenges do you foresee as Parliament resumes business?
ANSWER: Political polarisation between ODM and PNU reaches near boiling points at times. They have varied opinion on governance. Good Motions will be shot down because of political differences, but not on merit. Issues like the Migingo Island controversy must be addressed comprehensively. Some have a feeling the President is not doing enough.
QUESTION: It is alleged many MPs are broke and take home little money. Can this compromise their independence and integrity?
ANSWER: MPs only borrow to invest. This is a sort of forced saving. MPs are learning from the past. Some former MPs are suffering because they did not invest in mortgages and stocks. But there are people who even with Sh20 million in their accounts would still be compromised.
Hon Martha Karua resigned as Justice Minister. Will this affect the process of reforms? Who should replace her?
It is up to President Kibaki to appoint her replacement. But we need a committed reformer in that ministry to push through the envisaged new constitution.
QUESTION: What is your rating in terms of performance of the Tenth Parliament? Enumerate successes and failures.
ANSWER: Committees are very active. Their work is being appreciated, making Parliament more robust and independent in its check on the Executive. Standing Orders have been revised to make the work of the House effective. The front bench is on constant check and quality of debate is higher than in the Ninth Parliament.
QUESTION: Which priority areas should be included in the Supplementary Budget?
ANSWER: The recovery of the economy must be given priority. Inflation affecting food prices must be checked to avert hunger and starvation.
David Were
QUESTION: Are parliamentary watchdog committees carrying out their work effectively?
WERE: Not very much. Nearly 80 per cent of MPs are freshers. It takes a bit of time for MPs to learn the ropes, the work of committees, procedures and mandate. The last session was a learning process and I hope this session will see increased activity at committee level.
QUESTION: Parliament reopens today. Do you think the House should support minimum and comprehensive reforms at the same time?
ANSWER: It is time for full reforms. Minimum reforms have the potential of derailing constitutional reforms. Let us go for genuine constitutional reforms once and for all.
QUESTION: What challenges do you foresee as Parliament resumes business?
ANSWER: Mistrust between PNU and ODM won’t go away yet. Once Coalition leaders President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have differences, it will spill over to the work of Parliament. Other challenges include the push for Grand Opposition. Opinions are divided among parties.
QUESTION: It is alleged many MPs are broke and take home little money. Can this compromise their independence and integrity?
ANSWER: Whatever media reported cannot be true about MPs’ resources. Many MPs invest in various businesses and have returns, which are not reflected on pay slips. Reports do not reflect the true financial positions of MPs. They would be declared bankrupt and lose seats if that was true.
QUESTION: Hon Martha Karua resigned as Justice Minister. Will this affect the process of reforms? Who should replace her?
ANSWER: Her exit should be no excuse to derail reforms. But Kibaki and Raila must put their feet down and focus on the reforms. Her replacement should be a sober leader with vision and commitment who would advise the House and the principals competently and without leanings.
QUESTION: What is your rating in terms of performance of the Tenth Parliament? Enumerate successes and failures.
ANSWER: We have passed many Bills including the National Accord, which restored peace, but we are yet to implement it. Some Bills are passed in a hurry without proper scrutiny only for their shortfalls to be detected when they are law. Parliament should allow MPs to consult experts and set aside voting days and times for Bills.
QUESTION: Which priority areas should be included in the Supplementary Budget?
ANSWER: Infrastructure needs more money. The food situation must be improved to ensure access to affordable food. I don’t understand why IDPs are still in camps. Thy must be resettled.
