The absence of the opposition’s MPs in the National Assembly, according to Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei, has aided the opposition’s failure to challenge proposals tabled in Parliament by the Kenya Kwanza government.
According to Shollei, only a few opposition-allied MPs attend plenary, but they complain about being ignored during parliamentary debates.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, Shollei stated that the lack of attendance has weakened the opposition’s legislative muscle and that blame should not be placed on the majority.
“There is only a handful of people who come to parliament. So even if the opposition believes that Parliament is being used as a rubber stamp why are you not present in the House?” she posed.
“It is so well to come here on national television and complain but why are you not in the House when you are required?”
According to Shollei, some of the opposition MPs who always appear in the House include Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, James Nyikal (Seme), Benson Makali (Kitui Central), Anthony Aluoch (Mathare), and Irene Mayaka (Nominated).
“Let me explain the challenge that parliament has. As Hon. Mbui was saying they feel that the opposition is not being heard but I can always name…look at the opposition side anytime, it is nearly empty and I can name for you which opposition members speak,” said Shollei.
This comes as the National Assembly has passed contentious laws, including the Finance Act 2023, which has led to tax increments, further increasing the cost of living amid a nosediving economy.
Some of the taxes include the Housing Levy which has been ruled as unconstitutional.
