A past parliamentary session. A report by Mzalendo Trust released on March 10 shows that about 139 MPs out of 416 (349 from the National Assembly and 67 from the Senate) are not known elsewhere other than in their constituencies. PHOTO | FILE
Mzalendo uses Parliament’s official record, the Hansard to gauge the performance. It does not analyse committees, where a lot of the work happens but whose records are not easily available.
MPs Alex Kosgey, son of former ODM chairman Henry Kosgey, Kipruto Moi, a scion of retired President Daniel Moi, Oscar Sudi, Gonzi Rai and Tirus Ngahu have never given their maiden speech in the House since they were elected in March 2013.
Mr Joseph Mburu Kahangara (Lari, TNA), Mr Paul Koinange (Kiambaa, TNA), Mr Joseph Ndiege (Suna West, ODM), Mr Fred Outa (Nyando, ODM) and Mr Daniel Wanyama (Webuye West, New Ford Kenya) were listed among poor performers last year.
Kirinyaga MP Winnie Karimi Njuguna, West Pokot’s Regina Nyeris Changorok, also a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission, Janet Nangabo from Trans Nzoia, Eusilah Ngeny from Uasin Gishu and Nandi’s Zipporah Kering were found to be quiet even as MPs blame the automated system the Speaker uses to call out leaders.
Turkana North MP Christopher Nakuleu, his neighbour from East Nicholas Ngikor, Kacheliba lawmaker Mark Lomunokol and Soy MP Edwin Barchilei are among those faces not easily recognisable outside their constituencies.
Kilifi Women’s Representative Aisha Jumwa did not recognise Mwea MP Peter Gitau moments until he was saved by the police from irate youths baying for his blood following accusations of voter bribery in the Malindi by-election.
In the video clip, she refers to him as huyu jamaa (this guy) and her body language suggested that Mr Gitau is a stranger she had never met in the corridors of Parliament.
