Lawmakers must rise to the occasion
The two Houses of Parliament are resuming business after the Christmas break.
And as the Clerks of National Assembly and Senate have indicated, the Fifth session that starts today will be rigorous because of the heavy legislative agenda that has been lined-up.
The lawmakers resume business as the country struggles to recover from effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Other than the budget-making process, lawmakers are expected to spend a lot of time processing the proposals contained in the Building Bridges Initiative, which is the subject of a heated national conversation.
As it appears, the unproductive fights between the Handshake team and Tanga Tanga factions are set to cloud the agenda of the two Houses.
Politicians from both factions have already sounded the alarm ahead of the sittings, warning their rivals of a fierce battle.
The National Assembly Clerk has indicated that priority will be given to the Public Finance Management Act and the Budget Policy Statement, which must be submitted by the National Treasury for tabling in the House by February 15.
This will pave way for the introduction and passage of the annual Divisions of Revenue Bill and the County Allocation of Revenue Bill by both Houses.
Busiest session
The Senate Clerk has also signalled that this will be the busiest session, that will deal with review of 49 Bills invalidated by the High Court.
But it must be underlined that the Fifth Session will be taking place in the middle of a pandemic which has drastically affected the economy.
We strongly implore MPs to avoid their usual shenanigans majorly driven by the desire for self-preservation, and deliberate on policies and legislation geared towards revival of the economy to cushion the mwananchi.
These are special times that demand a change of attitude and priorities from elected leaders.
Kenyans are more concerned about bread and butter issues, not ugly fights by irresponsible leaders.
Thousands of Kenyans have lost jobs while businesses have been closed due to effects of coronavirus pandemic.
But political leaders have continued to act in a manner that seems to ignore the painful circumstances under which their constituents are operating.
Kenyans continue to be treated to base acts by politicians including brawls at funerals.
Law makers should remind themselves that they are public servants, elected to serve the people and that the power they exercise is delegated. They must give Wanjiku’s interests priority.
