- The cries of the electorate, already burdened by high taxes and rising costs of living, were drowned out by the overwhelming chorus of “ayes.”
- In this political farce, the executive plays the role of the puppeteer, pulling the strings with deft precision.
- Only through sustained pressure and a renewed commitment to ethical governance can the National Assembly reclaim its rightful role as the voice of the nation.
In the grand theatre of Kenyan politics, where the drama is as predictable as a soap opera’s, the National Assembly plays the role of the executive’s unwavering rubber stamp with impeccable precision.
It’s a performance that would make even the most disciplined theatre troupe green with envy.
Elected by the people to serve the people, these honourable members seem to have forgotten their lines, instead choosing to read from a script handed down by the executive.
One can’t help but wonder if they’ve mistaken their legislative seats for theatre seats, content to sit back and let the real power brokers direct the show.
Take, for instance, the legislative process. In theory, it’s a majestic dance of debate, consideration, and amendment.
In practice, it’s more like a bulldozer plowing through a garden party. The majority, armed with their numerical superiority, push through citizen-unfriendly policies with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
It is as if the phrase “checks and balances” was merely a suggestion, rather than a cornerstone of democracy. Who needs a thoughtful opposition when you have the tyranny of numbers?
One recent example of this legislative steamrolling is the passing of the Finance Bill, which, despite widespread public outcry, sailed through the National Assembly with the ease of a hot knife through butter.
The cries of the electorate, already burdened by high taxes and rising costs of living, were drowned out by the overwhelming chorus of “ayes.”
It was less a democratic decision and more a rubber-stamped decree. The Assembly’s response to citizen concerns? A collective shrug, as if to say, “Let them eat cake.”
Of course, it’s not just the content of the legislation that raises eyebrows, but the manner in which it’s passed. Debate in the National Assembly has become a mere formality, a theatrical performance where the outcome is predetermined. The majority members, perhaps inspired by Pavlov’s dogs, respond to the executive’s cues with admirable consistency.
The opposition, on the other hand, might as well be reciting Shakespeare to a brick wall. Their protests and counterarguments are met with indifference, if not outright disdain.
Then there’s the matter of accountability. In a functioning democracy, elected representatives are supposed to be accountable to their constituents.
But in Kenya, it seems accountability is an archaic concept, as out of place in the National Assembly as a vegan at a barbecue.
Members of Parliament, once elected, morph into absentee landlords, more interested in toeing the party line than addressing the needs of their voters.
Constituents are left with the bitter taste of betrayal, watching helplessly as their representatives transform into executive puppets.
The irony is palpable. The very individuals who campaigned on platforms of change and progress have become the gatekeepers of the status quo.
Their loyalty to the executive is matched only by their disregard for the electorate. It’s as if, upon election, they’ve been handed a manual titled “How to Ignore Your Constituents and Please Your Masters.” The first chapter? “Rubber Stamping 101.”
And let’s not forget the perks of the job. While the average Kenyan struggles to make ends meet, members of the National Assembly enjoy hefty salaries, allowances, and benefits.
It’s a lifestyle of privilege and opulence, far removed from the everyday realities of their constituents.
Perhaps this disconnect explains their lack of empathy. After all, it’s hard to hear the cries of the people from within the plush confines of a taxpayer-funded luxury vehicle.
In this political farce, the executive plays the role of the puppeteer, pulling the strings with deft precision.
The National Assembly, ever the obedient marionette, dances to its tune without question. It’s a performance that would be laughable if it weren’t so tragic.
The separation of powers has become a mere illusion, a facade behind which the executive consolidates its power with ease.
Even more laughable is the Assembly’s occasional attempt at pretending to be a robust legislative body.
When they do engage in debate, it often descends into a spectacle of name-calling and finger-pointing, more suited to a playground than a parliamentary chamber.
These moments of “debate” are about as productive as a meeting of headless chickens. Theatrics aside, the outcome remains the same: the executive’s will is done.
What of the opposition, you ask? Their role has been reduced to that of a hapless jester, providing comic relief in an otherwise monotonous performance.
They might shout, protest, and even walk out in dramatic fashion, but it’s all in vain. The majority, secure in their numbers, simply waits for the storm to pass before resuming business as usual.
The opposition’s efforts to hold the government accountable are akin to trying to stop a runaway train with a feather duster.
The National Assembly’s lack of independence and initiative is a disheartening reality that has plagued Kenya’s political landscape for far too long.
Rather than acting as a robust check on executive power, the Assembly has become a mere extension of the ruling party’s agenda, rubber-stamping decisions without meaningful scrutiny or debate.
This abdication of responsibility is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the electorate, who entrusted these representatives with the sacred duty of safeguarding their interests and upholding the principles of democracy.
The consequences of this failure ripple through every facet of Kenyan society. Legislation that should prioritise the welfare of the people is instead tailored to serve the interests of the powerful few.
Crucial issues that demand urgent attention, such as corruption, economic disparity, and access to essential services, are often swept under the rug or addressed with half-hearted measures.
The Assembly’s complacency perpetuates a cycle of disillusionment, eroding public trust in the democratic process and fuelling cynicism towards elected officials.
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Yet, amidst this bleak narrative, there remains a glimmer of hope. The people of Kenya, resilient and unwavering in their pursuit of justice, continue to raise their voices in peaceful protest, demanding accountability and a return to the true tenets of representative democracy.
It is in these moments of collective action that the possibility of change emerges, as the electorate reminds their elected officials of their true mandate – to serve the interests of the people, not the whims of the powerful.
Only through sustained pressure and a renewed commitment to ethical governance can the National Assembly reclaim its rightful role as the voice of the nation, ushering in a new era of transparency, accountability, and genuine representation.
The writer is a legal researcher and lawyer.
