Courageous Salasya told President the truth; let other MPs emulate him

When the Constitution established a bicameral Parliament, it didn’t create the office of the leader of opposition as it was in previous regimes. Rather, it envisioned a situation in which MPs from the majority and minority side would offer checks and balances to the executive.

The Constitution clearly spelt out the roles of the Parliament, especially the National Assembly, in article 95. The most pronounced roles include the enactment of legislation, representation of the people, exercising oversight over revenues and expenditures, and appropriation of funds for expenditure.

Sadly, most MPs have abrogated their roles, especially the oversight and representation role. Instead of playing a watchdog role, they have morphed into cheerleaders of the executive, necessitating a lack of opposition to the executive.

That’s why it was refreshing to see Mumias East MP Peter Salasya play representation role in a powerful way in front of President William Ruto without fear of reprisal. Mr Salasya articulated people’s views that are diametrically opposed to Dr Ruto’s policies regarding affordable housing, university education funding model, universal healthcare, and retirement savings. He demonstrated how the President’s policies are antagonistic, increasing resentment among the people. 

This courageous move comes against the backdrop of unprecedented sycophancy and hypocritical praises of the President, enabling an environment of lies, half-truths, and propaganda to the detriment of the people and the country.

Yet, the MPs have a fundamental responsibility to represent the interests of their constituents, provide oversight on government actions, and engage in legislative processes in the best interest of the people. In the wake of Salasya’s bold confrontation with Ruto regarding government policies that do not align with the needs of the people, MPs have a valuable opportunity to learn from his approach.

First, representation is at the heart of an MP’s role. MPs are not merely voices in the legislature. Rather, they are the link between the people and their government.

Salasya’s willingness to speak out against policies he believes are detrimental to his constituents and Kenyans at large exemplifies the essence of true representation.

He has shown that MPs must prioritise the voices of their people over political allegiance. Other MPs should be inspired to actively engage with their constituents, listen to their concerns, and advocate for their needs, ensuring that their voices are heard in the corridors of power.

Secondly, the oversight function of Parliament is crucial in a democratic society. The Constitution mandates MPs to scrutinise government actions and hold the executive accountable. Salasya’s confrontation with Ruto serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of this oversight role.

There have been numerous instances under the Kenya Kwanza administration where government policies have been implemented without adequate consultation with the people. Last year’s Finance Bill is an example. MPs should foster a culture of accountability and transparency within the government. This approach not only helps to safeguard public interests but also builds trust between the electorate and their representatives.

Moreover, the legislative function of MPs is interlinked with both representation and oversight. Effective legislation requires a deep understanding of the issues facing the populace. MPs should be well-informed and able to advocate for the laws that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people. This entails not only listening to constituents but also engaging with experts, civil society, and other stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives on issues. By prioritizing informed legislative processes, MPs can contribute to the development of robust policies that promote social justice, economic growth, and overall national development.

MPs should foster a vibrant democratic culture where dialogue, dissent, and constructive criticism are welcomed rather than stifled and punished.