Why I shall never trust my Member of Parliament again
MCA Gwinso
The mood in our County Assembly that afternoon was foul. Members of the National Assembly were the object of our wrath. By continuing to deny us funds, they were putting our lives at risk. To add salt to injury, they had now gone on recess without solving the Revenue Allocation Bill issue.
“These people must be stopped!” growled MCA Pinto, Leader of Majority. “They can’t continue holding us by the whatevers.”
MCA Chonjo added fuel to the fire: “And now they are flying abroad to enjoy themselves as our people suffer,” he said in reference to the MPs tour to the US for the Legislative Conference. Soon everyone had something nasty to say about the MPs, and was saying it aloud, giving the House Speaker a rough time. It took the skills of MCA Pinto to cool down tempers.
“The cure lies in fully supporting the Punguza Mzigo initiative,” I declared when at last I got a chance to speak. I went on to explain that we MCAs would be the biggest beneficiaries if the proposed changes were adopted. Most of my colleagues saw sense in what I was saying and agreed to support the referendum.
“I think we should make our stand known publicly,” said MCA Chonjo. “Let us call a press conference and tell the whole world that we are all for Punguza Mzigo.” His proposal was not received with much enthusiasm.
“Mr Speaker, let those who want to announce just do so. But don’t claim to speak on behalf of all of us. Some of us must consult with our parties before taking a stand,” said MCA Violata.
After some debate, it was agreed that I call a press conference and announce that the majority of us had agreed to support the initiative, a task I gladly accepted.
That evening, I drafted a statement and shared it with MCA Pinto, known for his ‘fat’ English. He suggested that I replace ‘greedy MPs’ with ‘avariciously greedy fellows’. Later at home, I read the statement out aloud for Mama Hirohito to hear. “That’s excellent,” she said. I could hardly wait to deliver the dossier for the world to hear.
The following morning, before I left the house, I received a most unexpected guest: Our MP.
“Bwana Gwinso, I am not staying long,” he said after we had exchanged pleasantries. “I just came to find out if you are interested in coming with us to America for the Legislative Conference. There are a few slots for MCAs and I thought of you.” I was dumbfounded. I had not seen this coming. For a moment, I was confused.
“Baba Hirohito, you can’t miss that opportunity,” came Mama Hiro’s voice. I didn’t even know she had been listening.
“But Mheshimiwa, it will be a betrayal on my part. You see er..” Something stopped me from telling him about the statement I was to read.
“What betrayal?” asked the guest. “Just think of the benefits your people will get when you connect with development partners in the US. What about your allowances?”
“Ok, include me,” I murmured. I saw Mama Hiro’s face brighten.
“I knew you would not let me down,” said the MP. He then assured me he would make necessary arrangements, including preparing my allowances. “Just come to my office on Thursday and pick your money and travel documents.”
As I was seeing him off, just before he entered his vehicle, he looked me straight in the eye and said, Brother, I hear you want to make a statement about that punguza thing. Forget about it. Let’s work together for the good of our people, sawa?”
“Sawa.”
After he left, I immediately called MCA Pinto and told him I was not able to hold the press conference due to unavoidable circumstances.
On the appointed day, I went to the MPs office to pick my things as we had agreed.
“Sorry, Sir. Mheshimiwa travelled to the US with his colleagues and won’t be back till next week and we don’t have any information about an MCA who was to travel with them,” the receptionist told me.
Well, if you happen to see my MP anywhere, tell him I am waiting for an explanation, or else I will deal with him the way I know best. Kesi baadaye.
