On Tuesday, Parliament meets again amidst rising political tensions centred on multiple happenings with respect to its legislative decisions and debates. One aspect being the return of legislations by the by the President on devolution expressing concern of the Executive with respect to the role of the Provincial Administration and vesting of county security oversight to Governors.

The President wants Parliament to make amendments on grounds of unconstitutionality of some of the provisions and national interest concerns of the Executive.

The other matter in contention is with respect to decision by Parliament to increase and change boundaries of wards and seats that are highly influenced by some MP’s political interests.

There is also unfinished business arising from the report of the Select Parliamentary Committee on the Kenya Shilling that had to be adjourned. Why?

This followed revelation that certain aspects and content had been excluded in what was suspected as a doctoring attempt by vested invisible hands within and outside Parliament.

What, then, are the compelling issues for Parliament?

First, it is Public Watchdog’s view that Parliament must rise to the occasion and resist vested interests influences and/or temptation to play in the narrow silos of party political and tribal interests, economic interests or any interests for that matter.

Debate on all matters of national interest must be informed by facts, and the wider interest of the Kenyan people must assume an overriding influence in any decision determination. Why?

Because parliamentarians are people’s representatives who have been vest with legislative and representation power that must always be exercised in fulfilment and/or support of wider public interests.

Live transmission

Many MPs have demonstrated a growing reform and defence of public interest resolve in both debate and voting actions.

Sadly, a few have also demonstrated that their debate and actions are consistently applied towards protecting narrow vested interests. Worst still a few have demonstrated that their theatrics are confined to a political silos of tribe and/or play at the whims of political godfathers.

We must remain grateful that with the progress on democratisation and achieved reforms in the legislative arm of government there is increased transparency. Kenyans are witnessing live transmission of the parliamentary debate and can judge and depth of our representatives’ participation.

Secondly, turning to the question devolution and Public Watchdog’s view is that Governors should have a role in overseeing the functions of Provincial Administration and as well as security matters within the counties.

As elected people’s representative with executive powers they hold significant positions of trusts and must be empowered as such and the office should be shared with necessary intelligence information to assure county security and collectively national security.

Political theatrics

Thus, any attempt to deny the governors oversight over county security matters including provincial administration is symptomatic to undermining devolution and preserving status quo structures that works against the dictates of the constitution.

Thirdly, Parliament must seek to delve into report of the Hon Keynan-led Parliamentary Select Committee’s Report, its findings and recommendations as matter national importance, which deserves serious reflection and consideration.

It must not become subject of political theatrics based on blind protection of known economic interests and/or condemning any without corroborating facts motivated by sideshows. The past happenings are as useful as they can inform appropriate policy and regulatory interventions.

This includes ensuring accountability in sides of those who choose to abuse their responsibilities as well as in putting in place preventive measures to safeguard public interest. It is needless to state that no one can insist on holding a public position of trust against public wishes, as such becomes untenable no matter the power of the backers in any overwhelming decision of the people.

At the heart of the challenges is the management of monetary policy and speculation on the exchange rate that saw rapid depreciation of the currency, skyrocketing inflation and interest rate regime that has had a negative impact on the economy.

If borrowing by banks became a problem, it is not of banks’ making but the lending window and the rates that remains the responsibility of the Central Bank.

But what exactly happen? Can we get the bottom of the matter without playing politics? The how remains a matter of conjecture!

Finally, with respect to the decision of parliamentary decision to increase the number of wards on undisguised political expediency, it cannot be said that Parliament is a fair arbiter on the matter but rather that it is an interested party.

Partisan arbiters?

Consequently, we urge the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to do what is just, fair and right, which is to refuse any such vested adjustments of constituency boundaries. Why?

It is because the purported increases in the number of wards do not reflect the wishes of the people, but those who seek to enjoy the political fruits of adjustments in the next elections. It is the IEBC and the courts that would be seen as independent arbiters in this matter in this matter of compelling public interest!

The author is an opinion leader who prefers to remain anonymous.

Comments and suggestions to
publicwatchdog@standardmedia.co.ke