Senator Mike Sonko at the ICC

The National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and the Committee on Privileges have called for a review of the law and the speaker’s rules in order to give provisions for ruthless penalties for errant MPs. This is after a report by a parliamentary discipline committee bared the uncouth behaviour some legislators engage in the corridors of parliament.

SWEARING AND FIGHTING

For instance, the report of the Committee on Privileges singles out an incident between Sirisia MP Major (Rtd) John Waluke and Arthur Odera (Teso North) where the two exchanged unprintable words and engaged in a physical fight within parliament when they were allegedly fighting over a Sh3.5 million debt.

The report also brings to the fore another physical altercation between Ali Wario (MP Bura) and his constituent, parliament’s principal security officer Major (rtd) Kirungu Majiba. The two are reported to have exchanged blows at Continental House.

According to Wario’s side of the story, Majiba had been disrespectful to him and tried to humiliate him in public.

“He shouted and harassed me before visitors and the public despite having been told I am a Member of Parliament. This caused me a lot of pain and embarrassment,” Wario said.

MP SMASHED CHAIRS

Another occurrence detailed in the report is a situation where a female MP caused damage of approximately Sh337, 347 when she broke chairs and tables out of anger.

Aside from these incidents that are happening within the corridors of parliament, it seems our leaders are shameless enough to display their wayward characters in public.

NAIROBI SENATOR’S ABUSIVE T-SHIRT

Recently, when President Uhuru Kenyatta attended his ICC summons at The Hague a week ago, Kenyans will remember the madness and disrespect portrayed by Nairobi senator Mike Sonko after he wore a t-shirt printed abusive words aimed at the ICC officials.

As if that was not bad enough, Sonko was caught on camera abusing Dutch airport personnel in Swahili.

Political rallies and social gatherings have also bared the misdemeanours of our legislators who will exchange abusive words in the full glare of the public and the media.

SLAPPED AT A RALLY

Early this month, Machakos County Assembly Majority Leader, Joshua Mwonga, was slapped at a public function by nominated MCA Carol Musembi, as they argued over protocol issues. Mwonga had apparently not been officially invited to the function which was taking place in his ward, and when he showed up he is said to have insisted on speaking last, forcing the Wiper-nominated female MCA to take up the responsibility of inviting other MCAs to the podium.

Mwonga however snatched the microphone from Musembi when she invited embattled deputy governor Bernard Kiala to address the gathering an action that prompted her to slap him.

PUNCHING AND FINGER POINTING

Not long ago Bomet governor, Isaac Ruto, nearly punched the National Assembly Majority Leader, Adan Duale after the latter insulted him over his referendum calls, dubbed Pesa Mashinani.

“Hii pesa sio ya mama yako” (this money does not belong to your mother) Governor Ruto, you must appear before the senate for questioning about the Sh184 million. You can run all over the country calling for the referendum but you must account for the money you get from national government,” Duale said while speaking during a commemoration to mark the third Mara Day, which was presided over by Deputy President William Ruto.

Ruto who was evidently infuriated by the remarks stood up pointing his finger at Duale but was prevailed upon by Narok Governor Samuel Tunai and Narok County Commissioner Farah Kassim to sit down.

These are just a few among the numerous dramas that our leaders cause, which often leave so much to be desired. The recommendations by the disciplinary committee should be fully implemented so that our legislators can be penalized accordingly for their uncouth mannerisms.