Constitutional lawyer Willis Otieno has sharply criticised Members of Parliament (MPs) for what he terms misplaced priorities, accusing them of focusing on political campaigns while critical sectors such as healthcare and employment continue to deteriorate.

Taking to his official X account on Monday, April 6, 2026, the Safina Deputy Party Leader painted a grim picture of the country’s current state, highlighting shortages of essential medicines in hospitals, rising youth unemployment, and a struggling economy.

Otieno took issue with what he described as blind political loyalty among lawmakers, accusing them of abandoning their constitutional responsibilities in favour of advancing the re-election agenda of President William Ruto.

“Hospitals are bereft of essential medicines, mothers are detained for the mere act of giving life, youth unemployment has metastasized into a full-blown national emergency, and the economy is hemorrhaging from every conceivable artery, yet our MPs are reduced to chanting “Tutam! Tutam!” like obsequious court jesters rather than functioning as agents of reform” he stated.

According to the lawyer, Parliament is constitutionally mandated to safeguard the rule of law, oversee government policy, and protect public resources, roles he says are being neglected.

Concerns over accountability

Otieno argued that the failure by legislators to rigorously interrogate policy and hold the executive accountable has weakened governance structures and eroded public trust in institutions.

“These are the very individuals constitutionally mandated to safeguard the rule of law, rigorously interrogate policy, and act as custodians of the public purse. Instead, they have abdicated this solemn responsibility, opting for sycophancy over representation, blind allegiance over institutional duty, and vacuous theatrics over principled leadership,” he stated.

His remarks come at a time when political activity is intensifying ahead of the 2027 General Election, with several leaders already mobilising support for a second term.

The criticism reflects a broader sentiment among sections of the public who have raised concerns over the state of essential services, particularly in healthcare, where reports of drug shortages and strained facilities have persisted.

Youth unemployment also remains a pressing issue, with many young people struggling to secure stable livelihoods despite repeated government pledges to create jobs.