The Constitution of Kenya, Article 95, makes reference to the duties of an MP, and one of them is to represent your voters.
During the Affordable Housing Bill debate, the Azimio MPs walked out during debate instead of staying to argue their case to the end. This is a total let-down of the people who elected them and also of Kenyans as a whole who needed to hear all points of view.
Just like lawyers who have a duty to represent their clients and not to win cases, MPs have a duty to represent voters and not to win all the debates in the chamber.
Kenyans expected more from the MPs, but as the Bill now moves to Senate, we expect a more robust debate and all issues to be raised in a sober manner.
Danson Mungatana, Senator — Tana River
Why walkouts matter
Parliamentary walkouts are a recognised form of protest in legislatures around the world, but they come at a cost: when one side of the House leaves the chamber, the quality of debate suffers and legislation is examined by fewer eyes. In a matter as consequential as the Affordable Housing Bill — which touches on employment, housing delivery and a new levy on workers — voters on all sides deserve to hear their representatives argue every clause.
The Affordable Housing Bill in context
The Affordable Housing agenda is one of the current administration's flagship programmes, promising mass construction of houses and jobs for the youth. It has also been one of the most contested, with critics questioning its funding model, implementation and priorities. The Bill's passage through the National Assembly, and its subsequent transmission to the Senate, have been marked by passionate argument on both sides.
The Senate's role
With the Bill in the Senate, senators have an opportunity to interrogate the text clause by clause, propose amendments and subject the proposals to public participation requirements. As the author of this piece argues, the country will be watching to see whether the Upper House delivers the sober, thorough debate that the legislation demands.
