Supremacy battles serve only to entertain, distract

 By Angela Ambitho

Have you heard the joke about an argument that ensued over supremacy by the body organs?

The brain claimed dominance since it thinks. The eyes insisted on importance because they see and sensitise on surroundings. The hands argued for superiority reminding others it would be impossible to pick and move things or even write without them. The stomach mumbled over its authority to provide energy once food was digested. The mouth screamed about its dominance since it fed and spoke for the body. The legs advocated their prepotence in facilitating movement. Suddenly, a quiet organ insisted that it should rule amid the ridicule from the others who chided that it couldn’t be in charge since it didn’t do anything significant.

Compare this to the ensuing supremacy battle between the National Assembly and the Senate. MPs argue not only does the Constitution allot them more legislative functions; it also mandates them with the power to veto Senate decisions. They qualify their dominance in determining matters of national importance using Article 95, which, in part, states that the National Assembly shall enact legislation, determine allocation and exercise oversight over national revenue from National Government.

The Senate on the other hand argues that globally, it is always regarded as the Upper House and is superior to the National Assembly.  Article 96 (4) of the Constitution as read together with Article 145 empowers the Senate to play an oversight role over the National Assembly by considering and determining any resolution to remove the President or Deputy President. Furthermore, Senators affirm their might by virtue of representing a wider geographic region as compared to MPs.

Interestingly, this kind of supremacy battles are not unique to Kenya. In Nigeria, the wars have been so fierce they have resulted in court intervention. The House has often claimed to have “carved a niche as more vibrant and enterprising and been adamant not to be subjugated to the relatively conservative Senate”. In Britain, the battle over supremacy between the House of Lords and the House of Commons remains a bone of contention.

Historically, Lords had always exercised a right of veto over all legislation passed by the House of Commons. The acrimonious relationship was catalysed by the fact that despite not being democratically elected, the Lords wielded immense power. Over years of deliberation, the House of Lords has accepted its role as an advisory and revising chamber and demonstrated a semblance of deference to the House of Commons.

Such battles rage the world over. And, like the organs of the body, each chamber plays a role that can’t be underestimated. In the joke, the silent organ is the rectum, which felt chagrined by the disrespect it received from the other organs. It retaliated by refusing to work. After a few days, the legs were wobbly, the stomach queasy, the hands shaky, the eyes watery, and the brain cloudy. Others learnt their lesson.

The rancour between the Members of Parliament and Senators over supremacy while immensely entertaining may only deflect the much-needed efforts to jumpstart the economy after the elections. Our leaders must eschew bitterness, expeditiously resolve the stalemate and remember when two elephants fight, the grass suffers.

The writer is Founder and Group CEO of Infotrak Reasearch and Consulting Ltd.