Kenya’s August House has long been criticized for being a cesspit of corruption, incompetence, and spectacle.
The recent utterances of its Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, only cement this grim reputation.
In a country where lawmakers are often accused of lacking both a sense of responsibility and genuine patriotism, the theatre unfolding in Parliament is nothing short of an absurdist play—one where the script is written by self-interest, and the audience is left baffled at the performance.
The latest public statements by Ichung’wah reveal an institution far removed from its core mandate of legislative work and oversight. Instead, it appears to have become a haven for those who care more about filling their pockets than serving the people.
In a latest inter with Al Jazeera, Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader, dismissed any critique of Parliament’s dysfunction as “misguided.” The declaration comes after multiple scandals involving MPs, including the infamous ‘bribery’ and ‘vote-buying’ allegations. It is no secret that Kenya’s Parliament is often a breeding ground for the kind of political gamesmanship that has nothing to do with governance and everything to do with lining one’s own pockets.
Ichung’wah’s remarks came as no surprise to many who have followed his political career. In the interview, he defended Parliament’s performance, arguing that despite its apparent shortcomings, the institution was working well. Ichung’wah’s words were more of a defensive posture than a genuine self-reflection.
“We are doing our best in Parliament, and any criticisms levied against us are politically motivated. Those who say we are failing don’t understand the complexities of legislative work.” This, coming from a man at the helm of a Parliament known for its inefficiencies, disorganization, and seemingly endless scandals, left many questioning what “doing our best” really means.
His statement, however, underscores a deeper issue: the disconnect between the country’s leaders and its citizens. Parliament has long been criticized for its inability to provide solutions to pressing national issues. Instead of offering substantive debates and solutions, it frequently serves as a platform for insults, accusations, and grandstanding. MPs are often seen debating trivial matters while more significant issues such as poverty, unemployment, and corruption are left in the background.
Gachagua Roar
Adding fuel to the fire, hounded Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently found himself embroiled in a spat with legislators,weighed in on the state of Parliament. In a fiery address, Gachagua was quoted saying, “Parliamentarians are the biggest thieves in this country, and they have no shame in calling themselves the voice of the people. It is a haven for corruption, and nothing ever gets done unless there’s money on the table.” His remarks were pointed and perhaps more honest than anyone would have expected from a politician of his stature.
Gachagua’s outburst provides a damning indictment of Parliament. He revealed that MPs are often involved in the very things they are supposed to oppose, such as embezzling public funds and taking bribes in exchange for favorable votes. Gachagua’s own brush with scandal highlights the systemic nature of corruption in Parliament, where personal gain often trumps national interest.
MP Babu Owino, no stranger to controversy himself, is another figure who has raised eyebrows over the state of Parliament. Owino, a fiery and often outspoken leader, recently made headlines for his blunt assertion that MPs are routinely bribed to sway their votes.
“The reality is simple—MPs are bribed to support certain bills and to remain silent on issues that matter to the common mwananchi. If you think Parliament is working for the people, you are lying to yourself.” His statement has resonated with many Kenyans who are tired of seeing their leaders enrich themselves while the country continues to struggle with poverty and underdevelopment.
Owino’s accusation is not an isolated one. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of MPs being paid to sway votes on key legislation, most notably on the controversial issue of the 2020 constitutional amendments. The secrecy surrounding such transactions only adds to the public’s growing mistrust of the institution.
Dr. Duncan Odhiambo, a renowned governance expert, has consistently criticized the behavior of MPs in Parliament. In his latest commentary, he described the institution as “a circus,” stating that it has failed to fulfill its primary responsibility to the Kenyan people.
“We have a Parliament that is more concerned with lining its pockets than representing the people. The constant infighting, the lack of accountability, and the culture of impunity only undermine the very essence of democracy,” Dr. Odhiambo said.
His words hit a nerve because they come from a man who has spent years studying Kenya’s political system. Dr. Odhiambo’s critique is perhaps one of the most comprehensive, as he highlights the lack of meaningful legislation and the widespread culture of impunity that exists in Parliament.
In his view, Parliament has become a theatre of the absurd, where the actors are driven by personal interest and the audience—ordinary Kenyans—are left helpless and disillusioned.
A theatre of the absurd
In the grand scheme of things, the portrayal of Parliament as a theatre of absurdity rings truer than ever. From MPs engaging in petty squabbles over trivial matters to the repeated failure to pass meaningful laws, the institution has become little more than a sideshow. The constant bickering and grandstanding are a far cry from the legislative work that Parliament is meant to perform.
What is perhaps most troubling is that this behavior seems to have become normalized. The politicians who are supposed to lead by example have instead set a precedent of greed, corruption, and self-interest. The Kenyan public watches in dismay as these leaders play games with the country’s future, prioritizing their pockets over the well-being of the nation.
Kenya’s Parliament, under the leadership of figures like Kimani Ichung’wah, has become a symbol of all that is wrong with the country’s political system. While politicians continue to deflect blame and protect their own interests, ordinary Kenyans are left to suffer the consequences of this dysfunctional institution.
