Kitui County Youth Leader Condemns 13th Parliament, Calls for Accountability and New Mandate.

By Francis Kioko

Date June 27 /2024

Dr. Vincent Munyoki, a prominent youth leader in Kitui County, has delivered a scathing critique of the 13th Parliament, branding it the worst legislative cohort in Kenya’s history. Despite their impressive credentials, Munyoki argues that these MPs have utterly failed to resonate with the nation’s mood, operating with impunity and irresponsibly wielding their constitutional powers to pass bills.

Munyoki accuses the current parliamentarians of abandoning their constituents as soon as they assumed office. “They have gone silent, minimized interactions with voters, and isolated themselves in the ivory tower of the Parliament Building,” he stated. According to Munyoki, the only public engagement these MPs undertake is the distribution of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) monies, which they dole out as if it were their own.

The controversial Finance Bill 2024 stands at the center of Munyoki’s criticism. Despite widespread public opposition, the bill advanced through Parliament, a move that Munyoki says starkly illustrates the MPs’ detachment from their constituents. He credits the rejection of the bill to the protests led by Generation Z, highlighting the heavy toll these demonstrations took, including the loss of lives. Munyoki asserts that MPs must be held accountable for these fatalities.

“We cannot trust these MPs to deliver quality laws for this country,” Munyoki declared, announcing plans to form a watchdog group aimed at auditing MPs’ activities and exposing their failures. This initiative seeks to prevent further legislative missteps that could prove costly to Kenyan citizens.

Munyoki praised MP Charles Nguna for his forthrightness in admitting that MPs are “earning free money,” urging the President to dissolve the 13th Parliament and call for new elections. He contends that the current cohort has failed Kenyan voters by ignoring public sentiment and resorting to tax hikes without exploring alternative revenue sources.

Expressing gratitude to the President for vetoing the Finance Bill 2024, Munyoki called for accountability among MPs allegedly bribed to pass the bill, insisting they should return any received bribes. He branded the 13th Parliament as the true adversary of the Kenyan people, demanding they be called out for their actions.

Munyoki’s criticism extends specifically to MPs from the Ukambani region, especially those from Kitui County, who voted in favor of the bill against the clear opposition from local youth. He urged these legislators to refocus on the interests and development of their constituents, particularly the youth, who are the nation’s future.

In his concluding remarks, Munyoki encouraged Kenyan youth to remain vigilant and engaged in political processes. “It is through active participation and dialogue that we can hold our leaders accountable and drive meaningful change in society,” he emphasized. Munyoki’s call to action underscores the importance of youth involvement in governance to ensure decisions reflect the true will of the people.