During the annual cabinet retreat held in Naivasha, strong calls were made to legislators to reduce numerous summonings to the cabinet secretaries by President William Ruto.
Chairing the meeting, President Ruto tabled a request before the legislature persuading CSs to reduce the perennial summonings by the parliamentary committees to clarify concerns raised by citizens over dysfunctional systems in the government.
The request follows the call for the retreat which is aimed at reviewing Kenya Kwanza’s 17-month scorecard, highlighting key accomplishments while re- looking at the setbacks on some projects since its ascension to power in September 2022.
The thorny issue of the parliamentary oversight role being overreached by the executive on most concerned citizens is where to draw the line between the parliamentary constituted oversight role and facilitation of the ruling political party’s interest.
This also comes amidst public distrust as to whether their opinions expressed through public participation have a count.
Ruto lectured the MPs on what he terms could be the stumbling block to His ministers delivering as indicated in their manifesto.
Senator Godfrey Osotsi affirmed that President Ruto’s lecture to MPs only clearly shows that the parliament has been captured to do the bidding of the President rather than being the executive overseer.
Osotsi expressed fear of more displayed anarchy even as the parliament resumes to debate on the reconstituting of the IEBC, NADCO report and the Housing Bill to be rushed into at the detriment of the common citizen.
Ugenya Member of Parliament David Ochieng however argues that the president’s request is an issue of rescheduling to synchronize how the parliamentary committees work to avoid inconveniences rather than an issue of the president demanding loyalty as alluded.
Ochieng further suggests that the Senate and the parliament could have a joint committee on similar matters that requires a minister to appear on a question of accountability or clarity concerns and make a joint report on the matter.
As documented in the law the house has a provision that every Wednesday afternoon for parliamentary committees with a maximum of two ministers appearing before a parliamentary committee.
The Health Committee, Trade Committee and Housing Committee are expected to sit this week to question the ministers on matters arising in the stated ministries.
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