Silent MPs should forfeit one month of their salary

A report by Mzalendo Trust Executive showed that more than 25 MPs have never uttered any word in parliament. It is a shame and serious action should be taken, for instance that they should forfeit one month of their salary.

Parliament plays a central role in the country’s constitutional order. It is the institution mandated to pass legislation to facilitate the implementation of the constitution and to serve as a watchdog on behalf of the public. Constituents send MPs to parliament so that the legislator can play the dual roles of defending the interests of those that elected them and at the same time contribute to issues of national importance.

In parliament, the headmaster is the speaker and the speaker should be trained as a teacher. A teacher deals with weak students more than the abled ones. Does the speaker have to wait till such reports are released to give his opinion and yet he is the headmaster of the institution?

The speaker can hold kamukunjis to sensitize members on need of supporting motions, proposing motions and opposing motions. I remember debating clubs in schools started as early as class four. The speaker should hold mock debates to motivate these MPs with some not even familiar with parliamentary rules and regulations.

The members of parliament have to speak and it is the duty of the speaker to foresee this. If not, stern action should be taken against them. This is because Kenyans are paying dearly for their upkeep in parliament. They were elected solely to propose motions, support or oppose them and take care of their constituents’ welfare.

If nothing is done with these dormant MPs, the losers are the constituents and the national government which pays them dearly. Is this a sign of the diminishing power and influence of MPs who have been put in the back burner by devolution? Devolution created powerful governors and influential Members of County Assembly.

Only 33% of MPs together with senators are not known elsewhere apart from their constituencies. This is a dismal report given participation to debates is one of the key metrics in ensuring an MP fulfills his overall responsibility of representation, budgeting, oversight and legislation.

They should exercise their parliamentary roles. The high level of poverty, FGM, rape, poor healthcare, inadequate water supply, declining economy, corruption and poor service delivery in the country does not warrant a legislator remaining silent in Parliament. This is despite the huge salaries and allowances they acquire.

MPs have abandoned their key duties. Voters should note those MPs who seem incapable of performing their duties and vote in individuals who can effectively deliver. The speaker has also failed Kenyans. The speaker and MPs must be the change that Kenyans want to see in the world.