The move by President William Ruto to push for the speedy formulation of a framework to allow Cabinet secretaries to answer questions at the National Assembly has elicited uproar amongst parliamentarians allied to the duo rival political factions ahead of resumption of sittings next week.
The proposed Parliament’s Standing Orders amendment by the President to allow his ministers answer questions to boost accountability, has been met with immediate criticism emanating from the opposition party who claim that unless its constitutionally changed, the move is retrogressive and a departure from the country’s governance structure.
The President while addressing lawmakers in Mombasa defended the proposal calling on speedy movement in effecting the Standing Orders amendment once the House resumes.
He claimed the framework will enhance parliamentary effectiveness as well as facilitate good governance.
“In keeping with this commitment to enhancing government accountability, I have formally requested Parliament to formulate within its procedures a mechanism for Cabinet Secretaries to appear before the House and give account to the people’s representatives,” said Ruto.
Constitutionally, CSs can only be summoned by departmental committees to answer questions on specific topics and not during entire house sitting.
While explaining to the MPs, the statesman observed that the issue was based on accountability as per Article 1534B of the constitution which calls on the accountability of Cabinet secretaries to the Parliament with full and regular reports concerning matters under their control unlike the opposes who see it a leeway to renegotiate the Constitution.
He insisted that a government is as good as the accountability mechanism that has been put in place to support it.
“I was privileged to be part of the constitution-making process and we had an opportunity to decide whether this country shall go parliamentary or presidential way hence with due respect allow me make the argument,” Ruto observed.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula concurred with the remarks of the President saying that CSs attending House sessions to answer specific questions regarding their ministries is a good indication moving forward.
“It is a sign of good governance and being accountable to the people,” Wetang’ula reiterated.
However, the proposals have been deemed premature led by Azimio One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga who now sees it as a departure from the country’s structure of government which he says should not be condoned.
“We urge him (the President) to engage Kenyans and the opposition leaders on any constitutional amendment he is intending to initiate,” argued Odinga.
National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi echoed Raila’s sentiments claiming that the current situation whereby Parliament is asked to originate legislation creating the Office of the Leader of Opposition and allowing Cabinet secretaries to attend House proceedings and answer questions from MPs should be well looked into as it does not reflect the independence of the wing.
“Are we sure we want to be the assembly that could not take a stand whether we are a presidential or a parliamentary system? Can’t we make up our minds for once?” Wandayi questioned.
Replying to minority leader utterances, Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah has repulsed back stating that there is no provision in the constitution that prevents the ministry heads from answering questions before an entire floor of the Parliament.
“We are ready to review the Standing Orders while protecting the independence of the National Assembly to safeguard its constitutional mandate and the public interests,” said Ichung’wah.
