We pray MPs will be loyal to God, citizens more than president

Today, September 8, 2022, members of the 13th Parliament officially begin their five-year term in the august House.

The new House will have a good mix of old hands and newcomers who won the confidence of the electorate. As they embark on the all-important journey in the Legislative arm, the country - though still reeling from the aftermath of a grueling election - is anxious and expectant.

Parliament is one of the key institutions in the country's multi-party democracy and by deed of law, the members will be the electorate's eyes. Their work is well cut out.

They will not only hold the Executive to account, but will also play an overall watchdog role over the functioning of the two-tier system of government.

Under the Constitution, Parliament is a critical cog with the role of nourishing the country's democratic potency. It deliberates by way of motions, Bills and oversight mechanisms. The members will provide oversight over constitutional and institutional goings-on.

As they take their oath of office today, we take this early opportunity to remind and warn them against sectarian interests that will only derail house business. It would do them good to depart from the ways of the 12th Parliament.

The 12th parliament was best remembered as a self-focused utilitarian and transactional Parliament. It was a house that served not the interest of the people, but partisan political interest in both chambers, driven by self-absorption.

The House of Honourables degenerated into a tool in the hands of a superior political class and it's brokers, fighting sundry battles for the Executive and party leaders. Here, MPs after taking tea and snacks yielded to political instructions from the Executive without putting as much as a fight.

.

Keep Reading

• Heated exchanges as Duale, MPs clash during Health Committee session
• Parliament orders Sh10b NHIF payout to rescue failing hospitals
• Agency seeks to retain mandate over nuclear and radiological e-waste

We hope and pray that the 13th Parliament will be radically different. As they start their term, it is not the time for parochial fights between the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio formations.

MPs, whether in the National Assembly and the Senate, must endeavour to put the interests of the country forward.

We urge the incoming Parliament to fight for its space and not reduce itself to an appendage of the Executive or any other entity for that matter.

Let them amass courage and goodwill to churn out legislation that will add value to the country's dreams.

They must resist the temptation to stifle voices and use the floor of the House to reverse hard-earned gains. We pray they will be men and women who will recognise that they are not cows, no matter how loyal they are to their party bosses or the president.

We hope they will understand that there is a higher kind of loyalty, that is loyalty to God and to the country.

The 12th Parliament failed in this regard.