A bombshell report has revealed that 19 Members of Parliament in Kenya have failed to contribute to parliamentary debates throughout 2024, sparking outrage among constituents and raising serious concerns about their effectiveness as legislators. The report, based on the Hansard, which tracks MPs’ speech contributions, exposes a troubling pattern of silence among lawmakers, despite their crucial role in shaping Kenya’s legislative agenda.
Among those listed is Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu, the sole Wiper Party MP identified in the report. Kasalu’s inclusion has particularly stirred debate in the Lower Eastern region, where Wiper remains a dominant political force. Critics have questioned whether Kasalu, entrusted with championing the interests of Kitui residents, is fulfilling her parliamentary mandate.
The report further outlines a breakdown of the 19 silent MPs by political party, with UDA leading the list with 10 members. ODM follows with 4 MPs, while ANC has 2. DAP-K, Jubilee, and Wiper each have one representative on the list.
Other MPs named in the report include:
Oscar Sudi (Kapseret, UDA)
Paul Abuoro (Rongo, ODM)
Charles Gimose Gumini (Hamisi, ANC)
Joseph Tonui Kipkosgei (Kuresoi South, UDA)
Mathia Nyamabe (Kuria West, UDA)
Samuel Kinuthia Gachobe (Subukia, UDA)
Patrick Barasa Simiyu (Cherangany, DAP-K)
Paul Chebor Kibet (Rongai, UDA)
Dana Joseph Hamisi (Nominated, ANC)
Joseph Wanaina (Nominated, UDA)
Stephen Karani Wachira (Laikipia West, UDA)
Mohamed Soud Machele (Mvita, ODM)
Irene Njoki (Bahati, Jubilee)
Alfred Mutai (Kuresoi North, UDA)
Patrick Osero (Borabu, ODM)
Clement Sloya (Sabatia, UDA)
Barre Hussein Abdi (Tarbaj, UDA)
George Aladwa (Makadara, ODM)
Public Outcry and Political Accountability
The revelation has prompted backlash from Kenyans, who accuse the MPs of neglecting their legislative duties. Parliamentary debates are a critical avenue for raising issues affecting citizens, and the silence of these leaders is being seen as a betrayal of their constituencies.
In Kitui, Kasalu’s constituents have expressed disappointment, questioning her commitment to advocating for the region’s development. “We elected her to be our voice in Parliament, but what we’re hearing now is silence. This is unacceptable,” said a resident from Kitui Central.
Calls for Reform
Political analysts argue that this report underscores the urgent need for performance audits of elected leaders. “Kenyan taxpayers deserve better from their representatives,” said political commentator Mark Ndung’u. “Parliament is not just about presence; it’s about active participation in legislative processes to drive the country forward.”
As the spotlight intensifies on these 19 MPs, the question remains: will this exposé serve as a wake-up call, or will it mark another chapter in Kenya’s struggle for political accountability?
