Oburu: Why I am ashamed of Parliament
Nyanza
By
Isaiah Gwengi
| Jul 04, 2023
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has accused his colleagues in Senate and National Assembly of being a weak link in Kenya's growth.
He likened members of the two houses of Parliament to goods ready for auction in the market. Unlike in the past where lawmakers stood firm to support people's interests, Dr Oburu believes current leaders are not playing their roles as stipulated by the Constitution.
Speaking in Asango trading centre in Ugunja constituency, Oburu said lawmakers have failed the electorate.
"I regret being in a Parliament where MPs are being auctioned every day at the expense of the people they are supposed to represent and serve," said the Senator.
Oburu, who has served five terms as MP for Bondo constituency, a single term as an EALA MP and now serves as a Senator, believes goal-posts have changed for politicians with the majority of them now focusing on self-interest.
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"MPs were elected to represent their people and not serve their selfish interest. I have been in Parliament for 30 years, but I've never seen this before," he said.
He accused fellow MPs of passing the controversial Finance Act without considering the pain of Kenyans.
Oburu was accompanied by area MP Opiyo Wandayi, Christine Ombaka (Siaya Woman Representative), Peter Masara (Suna West), Jared Okello (Nyando), Peter Orero (Kibra), George Aladwa (Makadara) and James Nyikal (Seme).
He accused the Kenya Kwanza regime of allegedly bribing MPs to push through controversial laws.
He commended the court for quashing the appointment of 50 Cabinet Administrative Secretaries (CASs) by President Ruto, saying: "It was wrong to reward election losers with unconstitutional positions and adding more burdens to Kenyans," he said.