Monday, December 5, 2011

Too big for Parliament?



By Stephen Makabila
Cabinet ministers are in a major political dilemma as the country lays the ground for next year’s General Election.
Some ministers are yet to decide whether to defend their parliamentary seats or go for other plum offices.
Majority seem to have outgrown Parliament, and their eyes are set on perceived bigger positions such as senator and governor, created under the new Constitution.
This shift of interest by men and women flying ministerial flags is, however, eliciting debate on the wisdom behind the ‘wind of change’.
There are some ministers who have kept the public guessing on their intent come next year, while a few have indicated they would defend their constituency seats.
Political scientist Amukowa Anangwe, himself a former minister, says those who will not defend their parliamentary seats to seek other positions could have misinterpreted the Constitution.
"The National Assembly is going to be the centre of political gravity. It is kind of going to share powerwith the presidency," says Anangwe.
Vetting role
Under the Constitution, Parliament has to approve Cabinet secretaries, diplomats and other constitutional office bearers’ appointments by the President.
Parliament also has powers to impeach a sitting president in situations where there are convincing reasons.
While the 11th Parliament will have 360 members, the Speaker included, the Senate will have 60 members, 47 elected, 12 nominated and a Speaker. Each of the 47 counties will have an elected governor.
Chairman of the Centre for Multi-Party Democracy Justin Muturi, speaking to The Standard On Sundayfrom Copenhagen, Denmark, says most ministers could have misunderstood powers of the incoming Parliament, which will have no front bench and backbench.
"They are driven by the fear of losing power. They are used to authority and cannot see themselves coming to Parliament to ask questions. When Kanu lost power in 2002, for example, it took over one year for some of the former ministers who had made it to Parliament to start asking questions," said Muturi.
Investigation shows in Central, Nairobi Metropolitan Minister Njeru Githae wants to be the governor of Kirinyaga County, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi is eyeing the Meru County senate while Environment Minister John Michuki wants to be Murang’a senator.
In Nairobi County, Regional Development Minister Fred Gumo is also aspiring to become senator.
In Western, Housing Minister Soita Shitanda and Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya will vie for governor of Kakamega County while Sports Minister Paul Otuoma is still keeping his supporters guessing.
Nyanza has ministers Anyang’ Nyong’o eyeing the Kisumu Senate, Otieno Kajwang targeting Homa-Bay County Senate while Chris Obure wants the Kisii Senate.
Chances are that Lands Minister James Orengo and Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno may go for their parliamentary seats of Ugenya and Rongo, respectively, while Education Minister Sam Ongeri has not come out clearly on his next move.
Rift Valley has Labour Minister John Munyes eyeing the Turkana County Senate, Information Minister Samuel Poghisio out to become senator of West-Pokot while Forestry Minister Noah Wekesa wants to become Trans-Nzoia governor.
Over in Uasin-Gishu County, Higher Education Minister Margaret Kamar is reported to be eyeing the governor’s seat, Agriculture Minister Sally Kosgei has given no indications, while its believed ministers Musa Sirma, Franklin Bett and William Ntimama are eyeing the Baringo, Kericho and Narok senates, respectively.
Kept guessing
Coast has Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi eyeing the Kilifi governor, Trade Minister Ali Chirau Mwakwere reported to be contemplating running for Kwale Senate while Najib Balala and Naomi Shaban have kept their constituents guessing.
Ministers Yusuf Haji wants to be senator of Garissa County while Mohamed Elmi’s next move is yet to be known. Ministers Charity Ngilu and Moses Wetangula have presidential ambitions.
Prof Anagwe argues some ministers were motivated by the clout that go with senator or governor in the US. "Some politicians think the Senate and governor have clout similar to that in the US, but the reverse is the truth. While in the US senators approve appointment of Cabinet and diplomats, in Kenya that is the role of Parliament," said Anangwe.
He said some of those angling for the two positions might regret after securing them.
"For senators, they may find the Senate a boring place to be because of too little work while for governors, they will carry the cross of all challenges to do with establishing the county structures for the first five years. Most of them may end up not being re-elected after disappointing an expectant public," added Anagwe.
Political experts also believe it’s a high-risk political venture for one to go for the senator or governor depending on the area and campaign costs.
"A county like Kakamega, for example, has nine constituencies to be covered by anyone who wants to be governor or senator during campaigns. This requires more resources compared to one defending his or her own constituency seat," says Prof Frank Matanga, a political science lecturer at Masinde Muliro University.
Former Lugari legislator Enock Kibunguchy says that hose going for the two positions have to do their homework well.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)