MP opposes degree proposal for parliamentary aspirants, calls it ‘elitist’

By STEVE MKAWALE

The controversy over the amendment of a clause in the Election Act that requires those vying for parliamentary seats to be holders of university degrees raged, with an MP calling the provision elitist.

Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto yesterday said the move would turn Parliament into “a senior common room” for dons and not a house of Kenyans’ representatives.

“Parliament will now be a senior common room for dons not legislators. Parliament should be a house of representatives regardless of the academic qualifications,” said Rutto.

Ruto hinted that legislators would lobby President Kibaki not assent to a raft of amendments that were passed during the Motion on Statue Law (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill.

Ruto said the overturning of the amendment to remove the degree requirement on Thursday was in bad faith, adding the law should have set the O-level education as the minimum requirement for MPs.

MPs overturned a decision they had made on Wednesday night after Transport Minister Amos Kimunya introduced the degree proposal on Thursday morning.

“You cannot tell me that a Form Four leaver with a diploma in another field is illiterate. Some of these people like accountants and engineers with polytechnic education are even qualified than first degree holders,” Ruto said.

Some of the current MPs, according to Ruto, have served for over a decade, and their experience qualifies them to vie for parliamentary seats regardless of whether they are degree holders.

“Degrees are not a must, but an important component of leadership. It is unfortunate that half of the current members legislated themselves out of office,” he said.