On Friday, October 18, 2024, an unusual day unfolded at the National Assembly as 236 MPs showed up in full force, determined to finalize the installation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as Kenya’s new Deputy President.
This remarkable attendance came barely 24 hours after the Senate voted to uphold the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, swiftly paving the way for Kindiki’s nomination.
President William Ruto’s selection of Prof. Kindiki, following Gachagua’s dramatic ousting, was communicated by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula early Friday morning. “Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(1), I wish to report to the House that this morning I have received a message from the President regarding the nomination of Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya following the impeachment of the previous office holder,” Wetangula announced.
In a rare turn of events, MPs, known for their absenteeism in critical sessions, quickly voted in favor of Kindiki’s approval in record time. The sudden surge of enthusiasm left many Kenyans wondering: Who do these MPs really represent?
A Stark Contrast: MPs’ Sudden Enthusiasm
The swift approval of Kindiki has sparked a wave of public frustration, with many questioning why their MPs don’t display the same level of commitment to national issues that directly impact the everyday lives of Kenyans.
For months, citizens have watched critical parliamentary sessions adjourn due to lack of quorum as lawmakers remain absent during key discussions on the rising cost of living, unemployment, and public service reforms like SHA, SHIF, and the University Funding Model.
Lang’ata MP Jalang’o encapsulated the mood with a lighthearted comment, “How fast things move in Parliament,” as he congratulated Prof. Kithure Kindiki for his nomination.
While his quip may have cracked up the delighted MPs in the House, it did little to ease the growing frustration among Kenyans, who feel abandoned by their elected representatives.
One Twitter user, Omwamba, perfectly summed up the public’s sentiment with his sharp observation: “Speaker Moses Wetangula gazettes National Assembly vote that approved the nomination of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President. It’s the speed for me.” The enthusiasm with which MPs handled the political affair stood in stark contrast to their usual disengagement in sessions focused on addressing pressing national challenges.
Public Outcry Over MPs’ Priorities
The inconsistency in MPs’ priorities didn’t go unnoticed. Just a day before the packed session for Kindiki’s approval, the Senate had to adjourn its morning session on October 15 due to a lack of quorum. However, the very next day, the Senate was filled for Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings.
This glaring contradiction left Kenyans questioning the true interests of their leaders.
The disconnect between political survival and public welfare deepened as social media platforms lit up with citizens venting their frustrations. The swift focus on political reshuffling, while long-neglected issues like unemployment and economic hardship continue to plague the nation, further fueled the growing discontent.
Legal Complications Temporarily Stall Kindiki’s Appointment
While the MPs acted swiftly to replace Gachagua, the legal battle is far from over. The High Court in Nairobi and Kerugoya issued conservatory orders stopping the installation of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President until October 24, 2024, when the case is scheduled to be mentioned
A Call for Accountability
The stark contrast between MPs’ enthusiasm for political matters and their disinterest in addressing the everyday issues that impact their constituents has reignited calls for accountability. With Kenyans increasingly frustrated by their leaders’ failure to prioritize their needs, the public demands that their representatives show the same urgency in solving national problems as they do in political maneuvering.
A few voices in Parliament chose to abstain from the political frenzy. Some Kenyans on social media lauded Ndindi Nyoro and Babu Owino for missing the session to approve Kindiki’s nomination
Maybe mambo ni mengi in the 13th Parliament, but the question remains: who do these MPs really represent? As the political drama continues, one thing remains clear—Kenyans are watching closely, and their patience with their leaders is growing thin.
When will their MPs prioritize the people‘s needs over political maneuvering?
