Advertisement

Kathiani MP explains why some lawmakers fail to table motions

Kathiani MP explains why some lawmakers fail to table motions
Robert Mbui speaking to residents. PHOTO/@MbuiRobert/X

Kathiani Member of Parliament Robert Mbui has offered a sobering explanation on why Parliament has remained largely silent on cases like the brutal killings and the broader issue of police brutality, insisting that most Kenyans do not understand the bureaucratic hurdles MPs face when trying to raise such matters.

“Not every MP has the right to table motions,” Mbui said in a candid interview on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

“They can only attempt. There has to be an approval from the Speaker of the Assembly,” he added.

His remarks come one year after anti-government protests left dozens dead and hundreds injured. Families are still grappling with the trauma, and calls for accountability have intensified, especially with fresh protests now on the horizon.

Mbui explained that even well-meaning MPs often hit a wall when attempting to bring urgent motions to the floor.

“Members attempted to have an adjournment motion where there would be a discussion about the brutal murder of Albert Ojwang. The Senate allowed it, National Assembly did not. National Assembly Speaker allowed a question to be put to the CS, and then the committee met the CS,” he noted.

“But when the report was brought to the House, we attempted to debate. I actually tried to confront him on the floor to get an opportunity to express my dissatisfaction with not only what they had said in that meeting, but I wasn’t allowed and I was told, wait for next week so that you can talk about it.”

Members of Parliament (MPs) during a National Assembly session on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/ParliamentKE
Members of Parliament (MPs) during a National Assembly session on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/ParliamentKE

Blames delays and fear tactics

He said the delay tactics and lack of urgency make parliamentary debate ineffective, especially when momentum is key.

“But you see, you must realise that sometimes you don’t hit the iron when it’s hot. There’s too much water under the bridge.”

Mbui didn’t hold back in blaming the current administration for fostering a climate of fear.

“No one on the side of this government will be willing to even bother to discuss compensation.,” he said, adding, “The Kenya Kwanza regime doesn’t learn. They believe in brute force.”

He acknowledged that Parliament has failed the victims.

“I want to apologise on behalf of Parliament that many things we can do, we don’t do.”

Author

Kenneth Mwenda

Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined People Daily in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at kenneth.mwenda@mediamax.ke.

View all posts by Kenneth Mwenda

For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Advertisement