Daniel Manduku, the MP for Nyaribari Masaba and a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has called for the dissolution of Parliament and the scheduling of fresh elections.
His statement follows the recent invasion of Parliament by protesters on Tuesday, amid ongoing demonstrations against the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Manduku criticized the current leadership, suggesting that both the executive and Parliament are at fault for the ongoing standoff and the public’s loss of trust. He pointed out that the large-scale protests, particularly those led by Gen Z demonstrators, underscore the deep dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza Government and the legislative body.
Manduku believes that fresh elections are necessary to restore public confidence and address the grievances raised by the protesters.
“It is imperative for the President to dissolve Parliament, reconstitute his Cabinet,” Manduku said adding that only fresh polls in 90 days will restore democratic integrity and public confidence.
Under Article 261(7) of the Kenyan Constitution, the President has the authority to dissolve Parliament if it fails to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
“The recent invasion and defilement of Parliament signify a failure of the institution to maintain order, respect, and public trust,” Manduku told the press in Kisii on Thursday.
The MP said that while Article 261(7) primarily addresses legislative delays, its underlying principle supports the dissolution of Parliament that has lost public confidence and failed in its core responsibilities.
The Finance Bill, 2024, which sparked widespread protests, was returned to Parliament by the President, urging Parliament to amend it by way of deletion of all sections.
The MP said that this unprecedented move underscores the necessity for drastic measures to restore legislative credibility and address public grievances.
The MP said the government could seek assistance from the international community to organise snap polls in the absence of the country’s elections body.
“I know people will argue that there is no Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in place but remember we are party to many international treaties. We can ask the African Union, or the East African Community or the United Nations to send nine commissioners to oversee the polls,” Manduku said.
Parliament and its precincts, the MP stated, had already been “defiled” following the raid and it would not auger well for the legislators to return there at the moment.
“It is absolutely not good that we go there. Personally I will not go there. Power belongs to people and we the elected leaders exercise authority on their behalf,” he told the press in Kisii on Thursday.
“On Tuesday, they came to take back their power. We must call a spade a spade. I want to ask Kenyans not to allow their elected leaders to go back there, even myself included.”
The legislator said it was awkward seeing the President and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua Wednesday evening read from different scripts at a momentous time like this.
“I am hopeful that the president can pick competent people to manage this counter after a poll,” he said.
The MP also called on Ruto to dissolve his cabinet following the prevailing public discontent.
“Reconstituting the Cabinet is essential to restore governance effectiveness and public confidence. Reconstituting the Cabinet should involve appointing new leaders capable of addressing the current crises and rebuilding public trust in the government’s ability to govern justly and effectively,” he said.
