Why next Parliament will miss firebrands

By Stephen Makabila

The lifespan of the Tenth Parliament expired four days ago when the House stood dissolved.

And as Kenyans prepare to elect new MPs on March 4, the question remains what will the Eleventh Parliament look like without the known fire-brands who kept debates alive but whose sights are set on other elective positions.

More than 80 former MPs in the Tenth Parliament, among them some of the most battle-hardened debaters, will not be seeking parliamentary re-election.

Some are presidential candidates and running mates, while a good number are going for Senate and Governor seats while a few have retired.

In October 2011, an Infotrak survey showed Narc-Kenya leader and presidential Martha Karua led the pack of the most impressive legislators in and outside the Tenth Parliament. 

The outgoing Gichugu MP, an avid debater, topped parliamentary colleagues with an approval rating of 15 per cent. 

Other outstanding performers, according to the survey, included Planning Assistant minister Peter Kenneth (11 per cent), Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, (eight per cent), Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka (seven per cent), and outgoing Mandera Central MP Abdikadir Mohamed (six per cent).

Also rated among the top ten performers include Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba (six per cent), former Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale (six per cent), former Eldoret North MP William Ruto  (five per cent), former Garsen MP Danson Mungatana (five per cent), and Lands Minister James Orengo (four per cent).

The above names and many others remained alert in Parliament, and without them, the House could cease to be what it was.

But almost all of them are eyeing other elective seats in the March 4 polls.

“Their absence could be felt in the short term but after some time, those who will be elected will master the Standing Orders and operations of the House and effectively fill the void,” said Dr Martin Mulwale of Maseno University.

Political scientist Amukowa Anangwe says the House will shape the newcomers.

“No one was born an accomplished debater. They were first elected into the House, learnt the ropes, and graduated to be good legislators. Its good riddance they are going to give room to others to come in and also discuss issues,” added Prof Anangwe.

Seeking other seats

He went on: “There may be initial challenges but after mastering rules of the game, it will be all systems go. There are a good number of outgoing MPs who are also seeking re-election”.

Another political scientist Adams Oloo argues it takes time for new MPs to learn the Standing Orders of the House.

“It’s true a good number of experienced politicians are going for the Senate, but those who will remain will be helpful,” added Oloo.

Karua, Kenneth and Uhuru are all going for the presidency and will not therefore defend their parliamentary seats.

Kalonzo, who has been the Leader of Government Business in the House, is a presidential running mate to Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the CORD alliance.

Just like Kalonzo, Ruto is also a presidential running mate to Uhuru in the Jubilee coalition, and will not be defending his seat.

Others who have opted out of parliamentary politics included Bonny Khalwale, James Orengo, and Anyang’ Nyongo.

While Khalwale is going for the Senate in Kakamega County, Orengo and Nyong’o are interested in the same positions in Siaya and Kisumu counties.

For MPs set to be elected on March 4, their first work will be to elect a new Speaker.

The new MPs are also supposed to constitute parliamentary committees.

“Formation of committees cannot be a major challenge because membership will largely be dictated by one’s professional background,” said Oloo.

Going by the experience in previous General Elections, more than half of serving members of Parliament are usually voted out either at the primaries or the main elections.