Is Parliament Still An Independent arm of Government?

Kenya is a sovereign state led by a government that consists of three arms: the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature. These arms work in coordination with each other to execute their duties.

The legislature is tasked with representing electorates, overseeing the executive, and making and amending the laws, among other functions that affect the common mwananchi. It comprises the National Assembly and the Senate, each house having specified functions.

Since the 2022 general elections, the 13th parliament has displayed itself as a puppet of the executive. Failing to uphold its independence has led Kenyans to go through unnecessary turmoil in life. From allegations of bribes to passing bills that are unpopular with Kenyans.

After the heavily debated Finance Bill 2023 passed, members of parliament were met with hostility. In their mechanism to defend their actions of passing the bill, it was evident that most of them had never read the bill. An example is the admission by Maragwa Member of Parliament Hon Mary Wamaua Waithira.

"To those asking why Kenya Kwanza MPs passed the Finance Act without noticing and removing some proposed taxes such as the new avocado tax, the Finance Bill is a big document to know every nitty gritty. Ask pastors who have a Bible by their side every day; they can't know all the verses in the Bible," said Hon Mary Wamaua Waithira.

Furthermore, the Finance Bill 2024 sparked public uproar, with the Gen Z taking to the streets their anger and frustrations against the government's plan to increase taxes. MPs were moving across the country, chest-thumping that the bill must pass.

However, on June 25, 2024, the Gen Zs invaded parliament, forcing the president to withdraw the finance Bill; in a clear display of simpleton leaders, the MPs we behind the president, clapping for his decision that came way too late after the loss of life that could have been avoided by the same MPs doing their work.

During the impeachment of the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the process was hurried with claims of bribe and intimidation. Nakuru Senator Tabitha Keroche, during an interview, noted that she went to the statehouse to be guided on how to vote.

"I went to the state house at 2 pm, and I asked him (President) if he would allow me not to vote because my people are divided 50/50," said Tabitha.

Lastly, the unscrupulous Adani deal was being campaigned and supported by the same MPs and senators despite the discomfort of Kenyans. However, during the President's State of the Nation address, MPs praised the president for turning down the deal in what can be seen as a cowardly character.

On several occasions, the parliament has painted a clear picture of being remote controlled from the state houses, which has compromised the nation's development and the responsibility to represent the people.