Conspiracy by MPs to avoid public scrutiny unacceptable

As Opposition legislators walked out of the National Assembly to protest a presidential veto of tax legislation recently, it was indeed a portrayal of bad image and betrayal to the people of Kenya who they should be representing.

CORD, however, has since moved to court to challenge amended laws and oppose other proposed bills deemed unconstitutional. The Opposition says the president’s unilateral proposal to strike out, amend or delete provisions of the bills is unconstitutional, in breach of the doctrine of separation of powers and therefore null and void.

Nevertheless, Article 115 of the Constitution allows the President to refer a bill back to Parliament for reconsideration, noting any reservations concerning the law.

But reacting on passed bills when the damage is already done is what makes most Kenyans concerned. Eldas MP Adan Keynan has proposed yet another draconian bill carrying heavy goodies for legislators and their spouses. The proposed law would give MPs diplomatic passports, block public from accessing information on Parliament, make provision of special police unit to be known as the Parliamentary Police Unit that would handle the security of the lawmakers in the House and a special academy of their own for MPs with powers to offer diplomas, certificates and degrees, among other privileges.

For MPs to do anything they wish without being questioned by anybody is unacceptable as the Constitution gives citizens more freedoms.

Last month, MPs passed a media bill which exposed democratic doublespeak by CORD legislators. Adan Keynan has sponsored the two other bill hiding behind the guise of democracy. All freedom-loving Kenyans must condemn such hypocritical representatives.

Interestingly, the media bill passed easily only to be vetoed by the president. All the bills seem to carry the same message – to shield MPs from scrutiny.

In the recent times, the same 11th Parliament awarded themselves hefty salaries, blatantly breaching the Constitution by disregarding advice from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. The Senate and the National Assembly have engaged in supremacy fights and only reach a truce when it comes to discussing their salary increase.

Kenya deserves mature leaders but not of the calibre of the 11th parliament.

{Kurgat Martin, Eldoret}

I write to strongly condemn on Aden Duale, majority leader in the National Assembly, over his loose talk. His reasoning is shallow.

Duale behaves as if Jubilee will forever rule this country.

If I recall, Controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo clearly stated she does not know how the Eurobond billions were withdrawn yet she is supposed to be informed. When Raila Odinga commented based on what Ms Odhiambo had said, Duale turned the heat on the CORD leader.

Is Duale the controller of budget? It’s absurd that when any right-thinking Kenyan comments on the misdeeds of the Government, Duale fires back. Does he think blindly defending the Government makes him the most loyal servant.

{Ronald Mukunza, via email}