Scandals expose oversight gaps

MPs during a State of the Nation address. The Woman Rep post was created to give women a chance to prove themselves. Assert themselves and be a force to reckon with. PHOTO | FILE | NMG

What you need to know:

  • The Speaker noted contributions by former Gichugu MP Martha Karua, the late Otieno Kajwang’ and Martin Shikuku as among the few who ensured accountability for public resources.

  • Fast-forward to the Eleventh and Twelfth, Mr Muturi said things have changed.

  • MPs like Mr Aden Duale, Mr John Mbadi, Mr Chris Wamalwa, Mr Adan Keynan, Mr Opiyo Wandayi are some of the few who understand their role.

When National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi questioned the seriousness and capacity of a majority of MPs to discharge their mandate, a number accused him of unfairly targeting them.

Mr Muturi, at a forum with journalists in Mombasa recently, did not mince his words – how he misses the good old days when MPs provided real oversight.

The Speaker noted contributions by former Gichugu MP Martha Karua, the late Otieno Kajwang’ and Martin Shikuku as among the few who ensured accountability for public resources.

According to Mr Muturi, who served in the Eighth and Ninth Parliaments, debate those days was in a league of its own. Fast-forward to the Eleventh and Twelfth, Mr Muturi said things have changed.

MPs have been accused of holding unnecessary committee meetings to maximise on allowances. “Gone are the days when the Cabinet ministers provided the required answers to questions from members. Nowadays, many don’t read bills, reports and always come to the chamber unprepared,” Mr Muturi said.

UNDERSTAND ROLE

He, however, told journalists that MPs like Mr Aden Duale (Garissa Township), Mr John Mbadi (Suba South), Mr Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Mr Adan Keynan (Eldas), Mr Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja) are some of the few who understand their role.

The recent mega scandals at the National Youth Service (NYS), Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) among many others may have exposed the soft underbelly of the MPs’ oversight role.

This comes at a time a majority of MPs are requesting for another induction session barely nine months after their first one. Those requesting, confess that they don’t understand their legislative, oversight, representation and budget making roles.

ISSUE THREATS

When Sh9 billion scandal was reported at NYS more than two weeks ago, the committee on Labour and Social Welfare, which oversights Public Service, Youth and Gender ministry – the parent ministry of NYS – is yet to take up the matter and possibly summon the Cabinet Secretary.

The committee is chaired by Bura MP Ali Wario. The only pronouncement the committee made was to issue threats that it will slash the Sh22 billion NYS budget because of rampant corruption.

KPC is under investigation over the loss of Sh600 million and the irregular allocation of tenders. Again, the Energy committee, chaired by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, is yet to make a statement on the two scandals.

FERTILIZER SCANDAL

The committee on Agriculture, chaired by Mandera South MP Adan Haji, has also been on the spot for making a belated move on the Sh8.3 billion maize and subsidised fertiliser scandals at NCPB. “Committee chairmen must assume the powers because they represent the Speaker,” Mr Muturi noted.

Governance expert Mr Barasa Nyukuri said committee meetings have become a circus. “How many recommendations have been passed and how many have been implemented?” he asked.

Nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi said: “I agree that we may have challenges of capacity in the current Parliament compared to the past. We are alive to this matter to ensure that the public gets value for the many reports adopted by the House.”