MPs must re-examine their shameful conduct

Former US President Donald Trump was last year impeached for the second time for inciting insurrection at the Capitol in a desperate attempt to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory. 

Humiliated out of power, Trump rallied his supporters to storm the Capitol; the US Parliament and symbol of its democracy, triggering outrage across America.

One of his predecessors said there had “never been such a betrayal by an American President”. 

House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared the attack as one of the  “darkest chapters in American history,” and implored colleagues to embrace a constitutional remedy that will ensure that the Republic will be safe from a man, who was resolutely determined to tear down the things that hold them together. 

The House then voted to impeach Trump, a historic condemnation that made him the only American president convicted twice by the Legislature for committing high misdemeanours.

That a President, no less that of the most powerful country in the world, can be impeached for desecrating a House of Parliament shows the significant attached to the institution. Not in Kenya.

The Constitution entrusts Parliament with the role of representation, oversight and legislation.

But it is clearer that the powers being exercised by Parliament and, indeed other state organs, is delegated by the people. 

But instead of executing the primary mandates, the august House continues to be the theatre of ugly scenes, that now appear to be the norm.

The latest was during debate on proposed amendments to laws governing political parties.

The chaotic sessions were marred by an exchange of blows between MPs, shouting matches and throwing of water bottles at each other on live television.

This tomfoolery is rationalised as bravado and show of solidarity with party causes.  

Parliament is supposed to be a House of debate, order and integrity. That cannot be said of our Parliament. 

Besides chaos, we have read stories about sewers at Continental House being blocked by used condoms.

Female MPs are on record accusing their male colleagues of soliciting sex, both within the precincts of the House and on foreign trips. 

Stories of corruption in House committees probing various issues of national importance have become themselves a scandal.

While we appreciate that Parliament has a number of fairly sober members, the acts of some of their colleagues are dishonourable. 

More importantly, we hold that the shameful actions by MPs are an insult to the people who sent them to the House.