Onyango warns MPs over controversial Election Law

BY LAWRENCE ONGARO

Ruiru parliamentary aspirant on a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket, Engineer Sammy Onyango, has urged Kenyans to elect leaders with integrity in the 2027 General Election, warning MPs against supporting legislation that undermines citizens’ rights.

Onyango strongly criticised MPs who passed a Bill seeking to prohibit the public transmission of election results after voters have completed voting at polling stations.

He said the move could undermine electoral transparency and deny Kenyans access to information about the outcome of elections.

“Many Kenyans condemned the move, saying it would keep people in the dark and undermine their rights,” Onyango said.

He urged voters to carefully assess candidates and elect leaders who would prioritise their interests rather than blindly support government proposals.

MPs warned against rubber-stamping government bills

Onyango argued that laws passed under the guise of executive convenience could eventually turn against the same leaders who support them, particularly when political power changes hands.

He cited several pieces of legislation, including the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act of 2013, the Security Laws (Amendment) Act of 2014, amendments to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) legislation, election-related bills, privatisation and infrastructure bills, and the Land (Amendment) Bill.

He maintained that executive-sponsored legislation passed despite public opposition could ultimately hurt citizens and haunt the politicians who supported it, whether they remained in government or moved to the opposition.

The DCP aspirant reminded MPs that their constitutional mandate extended beyond approving government proposals, noting that Parliament was expected to represent citizens, legislate, oversee the Executive and participate in budgetary decisions.

He cited Articles 94 and 95 of the Constitution, which outline Parliament’s legislative authority and the responsibilities of the National Assembly, including representation, budgetary matters and oversight.

Onyango also invoked Article 118(1)(b), which requires Parliament to facilitate public participation in its legislative and other business and that of its committees.

He argued that public participation should be meaningful rather than a procedural formality, insisting that elected representatives must listen to the concerns of their constituents before supporting laws with far-reaching implications.

“Members of Parliament are not elected to serve as rubber stamps for government legislation,” he said, calling on lawmakers to uphold their constitutional obligations and protect the interests of the people they represent.

He added that residents of Ruiru and Kenyans at large should scrutinise their leaders’ legislative records before voting in 2027.

Onyango warned that MPs who disregard public concerns when passing controversial laws risk losing the confidence of voters, urging the electorate to hold their representatives accountable at the ballot.