Metamophosis: M-Pigs turn into Vampires!

With MPs, its like chicken breaking eggs for omelette!

The legislators are at it again. On Wednesday 28th April'16, they joined hands and overwhelmingly voted to shield themselves and members of county assemblies from prosecution for anything that they do “in good faith” while on duty in and outside the chambers.

The MPs voted 242-5 for the bill to amend the Constitution to give themselves and MCAs the immunity.

MPs have the tendency to forget their bitter political differences when dealing with matters of their interest. Although they are known to disagree on virtually everything, when it comes to issues that touch on their welfare, Parliament usually has no Jubilee or Opposition MPs - they all speak in one loud voice.

To show how seriously the House took this vote, Speaker Justin Muturi gave members over 30 minutes, instead of the usual 10 , to summon their colleagues to the debating chamber to get the requisite numbers. He even allowed those without cards to vote! This is a very committed lot!

The bill also prohibits the Judiciary from interfering with “matters pending consideration” before the assemblies or their committees.

If the bill, sponsored by Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma becomes law, Kenyans will not be allowed to challenge the legislators in court, even where they feel that their rights have been infringed upon, so long as the MPs actions are in good faith, whatever that means.

Sadly, many a time, MPs have passed bills which everyone, except themselves, feel are in bad taste. This includes attempts to increase their salaries and perks and to gag the media, which were done “in good faith”, but which raised public anger and pushed Kenyans to the streets and courts. Kenyans will not be able to challenge such actions by MPs with the new law.

Yours trully is not an expert with interpretation of the law but I can quote this without fear of contradictions: Article 27 of our Constitution provides that every person is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law. 

MPs should not be exempt from this. They must not be given preferential treatment. That’s why President Uhuru Kenyatta should reject this bad law if Senate doesn’t. 

Dear Mr. President, please make me proud on this one! Put Kenya above self on this one please!