Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to institute probe on rowdy MPs
Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama had his trousers torn during confrontations in the National Assembly on December 18, 2014 as MPs debated the contentious security Bill. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Chairperson Mumo Matemu said those found culpable risk losing their seats for breaching the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act of 2012.
- He said MPs are expected to act in sobriety and conduct themselves with decorum to avoid bringing the institution of Parliament into disrepute.
- Mr Matemu said the unethical conduct by the state officers who are expected to offer exemplary leadership is not only of concern to the commission but also to members of the public.
- Mr Matemu further said the commission was investigating similar trends of unethical conduct that have been noted in some county assemblies.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) will probe MPs who were involved in rowdy behaviour in the National Assembly on Thursday during debate on the controversial security laws.
The commission’s chairperson, Mumo Matemu, said those found culpable risk losing their seats for breaching the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act of 2012.
“The commission will institute investigations on the chaos and take appropriate action, including initiating a process of their removal from office,” Mr Mumo told journalists Friday in Nairobi.
“We will look at (the) personal conduct of each of the persons involved. (Any action) taken must be preceded by professional investigations and we are committed to political neutrality,” he added.
He said MPs are expected to act in sobriety and conduct themselves with decorum to avoid bringing the institution of Parliament into disrepute, despite their differences of opinion during debates.
“As state officers, the legislators are required to adhere to (the) principles and values of the Constitution and the rule of law while conducting their affairs, whether in public or in private,” Mr Matemu said.
BEHAVIOUR UNACCEPTABLE
He said the disruption of proceedings, name-calling and physical confrontations among some of the MPs was unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.name calling
Mr Matemu said the unethical conduct by the state officers who are expected to offer exemplary leadership is not only of concern to the commission but also to members of the public.
“The conduct by the state officers impacts negatively on the image of the country and portrays a negative image of those entrusted with leadership and regarded as role models in the society,” he said.
Mr Matemu further said the commission was investigating similar trends of unethical conduct that have been noted in some county assemblies.
He cited county assemblies in Isiolo, Nairobi, Wajir, Machakos, Kisumu, Makueni, Murang’a and Kakamega as some of those that are under investigation.
Security was tight inside and outside the National Assembly during debate on the contentious Security Laws (Amendment) Bill after MPs from the opposition engaged with those from the ruling Jubilee coalition.
The House was turned into an ugly scene when some of the lawmakers exchanged blows and fought for control of the mace, which signifies that Parliament is in session.
The Bill was eventually passed despite the spirited pressure from the opposition to have the matter postponed to allow more time to build a consensus over contentious clauses.
President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the Bill into law on Friday.
