House should legislate against violence

In a Parliament with women legislators and people with disabilities, it is dangerous that violence can be left to thrive. The Kenyan Parliament has set a bad precedent by allowing ‘honourable’ members to engage in fistfights in the chambers. Kenyans have bestowed power to legislators to avert violence from all corners of the country but not to transfer it to the chambers.

The fighting and booing that has been witnessed in both houses of Parliament over time proves that Kenya is a country that loves violence. The current crop of leaders is just but a typical representation of Kenyans, and there is no guarantee that changing them will yield different results.

The standing orders need to be amended so as to limit the freedom of speech which has been the main reason why violence erupts. Whereas we have to agree all citizens (MPs included) must be allowed to enjoy their freedoms and rights without limitation, we must also recognise that elected leaders are not just common citizens. They are paid by taxpayers money and so should live as per their (taxpayers) wish. The only recognised wish is what is enshrined in the laws and standing orders and so should be what dictates the behaviour of the MPs.

Suspension from the chambers does not guarantee restraining from violence that is becoming common among the legislators. In fact, some use the suspensions for political mileage and repeatedly do it to raise their chances of reelection.

There should be a law that allows the Speaker's office, or that of the administrative head, to sue any member who ignites violence in the chambers. Those with such cases should have their privileges stripped until they prove their innocence.

The Kenyan Parliament is becoming a subject of mockery in the region. Some members boast of not contributing in the chambers while others enjoy taking part in violence. This is not the code with which Parliament should conduct itself.

Parliaments all over the world are known to be houses of honour in which the governance of the countries is controlled and laws made. Contrary to what should be the case, in Kenya one cannot even tell which between the National Assembly and the Senate is the upper house by looking at how they conduct their business. If it is not throwing papers at the Speaker, then it is hiding a disabled member's crutches, or splashing water on members in the opposition, or singing loudly. This has brought dishonour to the House that is contrary to what honour is supposed to be.

The wise and 'honourable' MPs who exist in less numbers should consider coming up with a Bill that will protect the honour of both Houses. Otherwise this violence will keep escalating with time and we will have no Parliament left for future generations to use in making laws.

Arasa Makori, Kisii