There are lousy politicians and some very diligent, honest MPs

By Kamotho Waiganjo

One of Kenyans favorite pastimes is MP bashing. Kenyan’s lack of trust in their MPs has been glaring in the ongoing debate on the merits and demerits of a parliamentary system in a new constitutional dispensation. Without doubt a lot of the criticism is justified. The perennial lack of quorum in the House, the slow pace of legislation, the nonpayment of tax by MPs and the constant increments of MPs’ remuneration are but a few of the frustrating practices that have reduced the share price of the honourable members.

Some MPs have put CDF funds to good use. Photo: File/Standard

Having noted that the allocation of constituency-based devolved funds had been increased to well over Sh150 million per year for each constituency, and having been involved in the devolved funds programme, I have increasingly felt the desire to visit several constituencies to get a sense of what impact these monies were having.

So during the December break I traversed several constituencies in Central and Eastern provinces. Whereas a good number were a disappointment, I am glad to report that the criticism on MPs’ performance is undeserved in many instances.

Every time Kenyans have spoken of efficient use of CDF, the example regularly given is Gatanga constituency. I can confirm the accolades been given to the constituency are deserved. As I drove round the constituency there was evidence of proper use of CDF money from the number of completed projects. It is also one of the few constituencies where constituents speak fondly of their MP, even to me a stranger. I was impressed by how the local MP, Mr Peter Kenneth, has included professionals in programmes in the constituency unlike many MPs who consider professionals a threat and keep them as distant as possible from their projects.

In Eastern Province, I was impressed by a much poorer constituency, one which is hardly in the news. During the Ufungamano process I had interacted significantly with Mutava Musyimi, and was one of those Kenyans who felt disappointed by his relatively low profile in Parliament. My visit to Gachoka answered some of my questions about his focus.

In its 45 year-history, Gachoka constituency has largely been represented by Cabinet ministers — first the late Jeremiah Nyagah and then his son, Joe. Despite this, the constituency has no tarmac road and the earth roads are in a pitiful state as soon as one turns off the main Nairobi Embu highway. The constituency did not have one single inch of piped water. It had no electricity.

One year into Musyimi’s tenure, there is electricity in a significant portion of the constituency. I measured up to 25km of piped water and work on more was ongoing. Upgrading of roads to all weather had been carried out and was ongoing. I am told that most of these projects have been carried out courtesy of funds sought by the MP from the European Union. Some are CDF projects while others were carried out by Government ministries. As I spoke to many constituents in Gachoka, I could sense their renewed confidence in leadership.

These two constituencies and other success stories which I am sure I will find as I traverse the country confirm to me that Kenya has the stock of leadership that can take the country to great heights. The Bible teaches that he who is faithful with little can be entrusted with much. In this season when every Chebet, Maina and Ouma believes they can be President of Kenya, the question of how they have managed the public resources under their care is a sure means of testing their credibility. The days of assessing leaders on the basis of platform politics as opposed to performance must be buried forever. Over to Kenyans.

The writer is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya

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