Mounting concern over delayed school funding and rising insecurity has reignited debate on the constitutional role of Members of Parliament, after opposition leaders raised alarm over disruptions in education and security challenges affecting millions of Kenyans.

Speaking on his X account on Saturday, June 20, 2026, lawyer Willis Otieno has questioned why lawmakers continue to dominate public platforms while failing to fully engage in their core legislative responsibilities inside Parliament.

Why are taxpayers paying you to shout from the rooftops of campaign vehicles, dominate radio talk shows, and hold endless press conferences, yet fail to show up at your actual workplace when the nation needs you most?

Parliament, he argued, remains the central institution where laws are made, budgets are scrutinised, and national priorities are determined, insisting that MPs are constitutionally obligated to prioritise legislative work over public commentary circuits.

Opposition raises alarm over schools and insecurity

His remarks come against the backdrop of a joint statement by opposition leaders led by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, who raised concerns over delayed school capitation and growing insecurity.

The leaders warned that delays in education funding were disrupting learning in many schools across the country, despite the reopening of institutions, leaving thousands of learners in uncertainty.

They also flagged rising insecurity in several counties, saying it was putting lives at risk without what they termed as adequate and urgent government intervention.

“Our discussion centred on the state of the nation, particularly the delay in capitation even as schools reopen, and the rising insecurity across several counties where lives continue to be lost with no meaningful government action,” the opposition leaders said.

Questions over MPs’ priorities

Otieno questioned why lawmakers who are vocal in media interviews and political gatherings are often absent when such pressing issues are debated in Parliament.

“We have not heard your voice on the floor of Parliament regarding school capitation, despite thousands of learners facing uncertainty due to chronic underfunding,” he said.

He further argued that leadership is not defined by visibility in public debates, but by responsibility in the House where decisions affecting citizens are made.

Leadership test inside Parliament

According to Otieno, MPs must be held accountable for their core mandate of legislation and oversight, especially at a time when critical national issues require urgent attention.

“Kenyans did not elect commentators. They elected legislators,” he said.

He concluded with a pointed reminder of parliamentary duty: “Show up. Speak up. Vote. That is the job.”