Behind the scenes: Minister amused by Kalonzo’s picture

A digitally modified picture of Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka in a mohawk hairstyle has been doing the rounds.

A Cabinet minister in the VP’s party saw it in an office in Parliament and asked for a printout.

He went laughing to the lounge looking at the picture. The picture’s caption said something about Mr Musyoka rebranding after being kicked out of the G7.

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More consultation

Is it news when you’re told that some politicians with big and deep pockets pay some MPs to attend their rallies?

The going rate is Sh50,000, and could be more depending on your clout. I thought that was common knowledge until a colleague found it newsworthy.

That’s been spoken about in whispers for the longest time in the corridors of Parliament.

So, next time you hear that “50 MPs attended the rally,” just know that someone is paying for it.

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MPs and their tablets

When I wrote about MPs and their tablets and gizmos in Parliament, I noticed that many more are carrying the gadgets to the House.

Chepalungu’s Isaac Ruto has a tablet, too. I asked one of the pioneers of gizmos in the House, Karanchuonyo’s James Rege, about the trend.

He said he has been “encouraging” his colleagues to “use these things”. Mr Rege had two high-end smartphones right next to his tablet when he spoke.

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Slip of the tongue

Lari MP David Njuguna has a knack for contributing to debate on nearly every matter.

So, after his contribution to the National Land Commission Bill, it was embarrassing when Lands Minister James Orengo, meaning to compliment the MP for “always having something to say,” instead said the MP always “has nothing much to say” before quickly correcting the slur..