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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

MPs told to step up oversight role

Politics

By Sharon Wanga | Oct 30, 2024

Nyando MP Jared Okello on Spice FM on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. [Screengrab]

Nyando Member of Parliament Jared Okello has called on lawmakers to strengthen their oversight role, noting the need to ensure the country stays on the right path.

Reflecting on the recent political shift where some opposition members joined the Kenya Kwanza administration, Okello dismissed the notion that this alignment should inhibit legislative duties.

“When people say, now we’re part of the government, so we shouldn’t ask critical questions about the issues affecting us, we’re missing the point,” said Okello said in an interview with Spice FM on Wednesday.

The MP expressed concern over comments suggesting lawmakers joining the Ruto-led administration would abandon their oversight responsibilities.

He insisted that, despite the political realignment, members of his party must continue holding the government accountable.

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“We have seen a trend where some of our experts have joined the government. But as parliament, our duty to oversee and represent our people remains,” he said.

MP Jared Okello: The message from Gen Z during the protest is that Parliament you are letting us down #TheSituationRoom

Follow our live conversation on YouTube: https://t.co/Hs52g8rXfb pic.twitter.com/QdZipsOqr2 — SpiceFM (@SpiceFMKE) October 30, 2024

The MP also scrutinised the impact of youth-led protests in June and July on the legislative body.

Although the protests sent a clear call for change and accountability, Okello claimed that they had resulted in minimal reforms.

“I can’t speak for the entire Parliament, but personally, I would say not much has changed. There are some minor adjustments, but not to the level voters expect, and that’s a concern,” he added.

Okello urged fellow MPs to dedicate more effort to safeguarding the public interest. He warned of the consequences of eroding public confidence in both the electorate and the government.

“Your loyalty should be to the people—the republic of Kenya. But I fear this has been clouded by political affiliations aligned with the government of the day.”

He advised that, while political affiliations are natural, leaders must prioritise decisions that benefit the public.