The Kenyan constitution drafted at independence was a bit of a mess. A mix match merger of parliamentary and presidential systems of government that kept the worst and left out the best of both systems. No “separation of powers” or “checks and balances” of the presidential system and virtually none of the parliamentary oversight over the government which is necessary in an “executive within parliament” system of government.
While the British parliamentary system has its flaws one of the best things about it is that once a week the Prime Minister has to turn up in parliament and spend half an hour answering questions in front of the whole house during a session called Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs).
MPs can get up and ask him anything, and he has to make an attempt at an answer. You never know what you are going to get. It can be boring, exciting, solemn, or ridiculous. You just never know. But we watch because every once in a while you get a gem of a question that is just brilliant.
A couple of months ago, during a PMQs that would have otherwise been filed in the “Boring” category, an MP called Sir Peter Tapsell rose to ask a question. This guy had been against the War in Iraq since day one and had made his objections known but he seemed to have calmed down for a couple of months. But when Blair decided to commit more British troops to Afghanistan a week after he went on to a talk show and said God would judge him on Iraq, that was it for Sir Peter, he could take no more. He stood up and asked:
Now that the Prime Minister has used up all mortal excuses for his folly in invading Iraq and is relying on divine guidance, a factor which was oddly omitted from the dodgy dossier, will he tell us which archangel is now beckoning him towards southern Afghanistan?
The whole place erupted in laughter. Even Blair couldn’t help but smile. He raised his eyes and hands towards heaven and asked, “So what is the answer?!”
If only every week Kibaki had to turn up in parliament and spend at least half an hour answering questions from MPs and it was televised for the whole country to see live. As Bankelele pointed out we have the capability to televise parliament. We just lack the political will.
Pamoja Tuangamize Ukimwi
Kaybees - Thanks for voting!
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April 26, 2006 at 3:21 pm
Emily
It is not only the politcal will that we lack, We also lack politicians who are more interested in parliamentary debate than in money. Can you imagine how boring it would be for us to watch a group of people who suffer from chronic absenteesim and sleep/snoring. Besides its bad enough seeing them on the 7/9 o’clock news talking nonsense, we dont need parliament televised until we have more sensible people and debate in parliament. maybe they can televise Kaparos section only.
April 27, 2006 at 7:04 am
Ms K
Oh and now, they’ve banned Citizen from covering parliament because Waweru Mburu called them Satans and said God should sent a bolt of lightening to strike parliament and maliza everyone.
Ti hi hi a m,an after my own heart.
I agree with Emily. Watch those punks squabble and give themselves more money and sleep……
I’m with Waweru on that one.
Ps/ Have you read about the Sexual Offences Bill debate?
April 27, 2006 at 7:21 am
Ms K
Oh and this has nothing to do with anything, but when you said Arsenal will beat Barca, were you just playing with guys??
April 27, 2006 at 10:01 am
Emily
ALL mps should be locked in a round room and told that we shall give them more money if they can find a corner to sit at. And all kenyans who did not vote, should be made to sit outside the locked room to help them understand the importance of voting (for the right person
April 27, 2006 at 10:43 am
sassy
The sexual offense bill deabte will actually make you realize that televising debates in parliamnt should be put on hold. Their reasoning sometimes can make you throw up,slthey argue on irelevant matters and absenteeism is the order of the day. The house is chronically characterised by lack of quorum and issues with peronal interests are deabted on first and voila! a motion is passed and gazetted.
On the other hand maybe televising the debate will make Kenyans realize that we vote for people who cannot be trusted with leadership roles.
Thought provoking post……..
April 27, 2006 at 11:36 am
Shiroh
Mental they would never allow us to see the kind of garbage they spew. Like Ahenda saying ati African women are so shy…WTF. Does that mean you go ahead and rape them. If a woman doesnt feel the vibe it means just that.
Anyway i am not saying kwa ubaya but God is watching them and in Kikuyu we say “Mushara wa mehia ni gikuo” Yaani the wages of sin is death!!!
April 27, 2006 at 2:47 pm
Mitzy
Can across this article from The Guardian:
* Kenya’s 222 MPs earn pounds 3,800 a month, but with allowances can take home…
98 words
26 April 2006
The Guardian
16
English
© Copyright 2006. The Guardian. All rights reserved.
* Kenya’s 222 MPs earn pounds 3,800 a month, but with allowances can take home pounds 5,500. Only pounds 1,600 is taxable
* MPs get a pounds 26,000 grant to buy a car, medical cover and mortgage assistance. Pensions are paid from 40
* Ministers can earn pounds 7,000 a month with allowances
* President Mwai Kibaki earns pounds 15,750 a month
* About half of the Kenyan population lives on less than a dollar a day.
April 27, 2006 at 4:30 pm
spicebear
i think if parliamentary proceedings were televised and broadcast it would be a good thing, because if they were bright they would show up and actually participate because people would be watching and listening. it would also be an iteresting way to see which m.p voted for what and also put an end to these infuriating vague references in the papers when they report parliamentary proceedings. why is it such a big secret who said what? i for one want to know what my m.p is up to!
April 30, 2006 at 1:43 pm
Kenyan Idiot
live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings is long overdue. If done, Kenyans will be able to vet these money eaters and see who is not worth voting in next time.
Here comes the big question: Will Kenyans live to vote out these people if they found fault in them or will they resort to the “mtu wetu thing?”
Lets watch out on euphoria this time…employ the brains come 2007 and beyond.