Recall Underperforming MPs “Cheering for Oppression” ;Church Leaders Demand Action
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a bold call to action, urging Kenyans to hold Members of Parliament accountable for what they describe as a gross betrayal of their duties. In a strongly-worded pastoral epistle addressed to citizens, the council accused lawmakers of failing to fulfill their constitutional mandate and instead acting as mere instruments of the Executive.
MPs Under Fire for Abandoning Their Mandate
In their statement, the NCCK lamented that instead of representing their constituents, most MPs had become “spanner boys” for the Executive, rubber-stamping oppressive laws and abandoning their critical oversight role.
“Dear Brothers and Sisters, we are in a sad situation where the Members of Parliament have betrayed the electorate who voted them into office. Instead of representing the people, they have become spanner boys carrying out the work of the Executive. Instead of oversighting the Executive, they are cheerleaders in oppressing the people. This state is unsustainable,” read part of the NCCK’s statement.
Constitutional Right to Recall MPs
The council urged voters to invoke Article 104 (1) of the Constitution, which allows the electorate to recall MPs who fail to meet their expectations.
“We encourage you, as voters, to collect signatures and commence the process of recalling the Members of Parliament who are not performing as per your requirements and demands. As the electorate, you are the employer, not a servant, of the Members of Parliament and other elected leaders, and the right of recall is the disciplinary measure availed to us by the constitution,” the statement emphasized.
Hurdles to the Recall Process
While the NCCK’s call is constitutionally valid, practical challenges remain. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the body mandated to oversee such processes, is currently inactive. The IEBC has lacked a quorum since the resignation of four commissioners and the departure of its former chairman, Wafula Chebukati, and two senior commissioners, whose terms ended over a year ago.
This leadership void has hindered the reconstitution of the electoral body, raising questions about the government’s commitment to fast-tracking the process. Recently, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura denied allegations that the delay was deliberate, aiming to absolve the administration of blame.
Path Forward
Despite these challenges, the NCCK maintains that recalling non-performing MPs is a viable option to restore accountability in leadership. The council’s call serves as a stern reminder to lawmakers that their primary allegiance should be to the people who elected them, not to the whims of the Executive.
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Recall Underperforming MPs “Cheering for Oppression” ;Church Leaders Demand Action
