A new report by Mzalendo, a parliamentary observation group, has shed light on the performance of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators in Kenya throughout 2024.
The findings reveal stark disparities in participation, with 19 MPs failing to contribute to any parliamentary debates while others emerged as vocal champions in legislative matters.
MPs with No Contributions in 2024
The report disclosed that 19 MPs did not contribute to parliamentary debates throughout the year.
Among them, the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) had the highest number, accounting for 10 non-contributors.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) followed with four, and the Amani National Congress (ANC) with two.
Non-Contributing UDA MPs
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi topped the list of silent UDA legislators. Other MPs from the party who failed to contribute included:
- Joseph Tonui Kipkosgei (Kuresoi South)
- Mathias Robi Nyamabe (Kuria West)
- Samuel Kinuthia Gachobe (Subukia)
- Paul Chebor Kibet (Rongai)
- Dena Joseph Hamisi (Nominated)
- Joseph Wainaina Iraya (Nominated)
- Stephen Karani Wachira (Laikipia West)
- Alfred Mutai (Kuresoi North)
- Clement Sloya Logova (Sabatia)
Non-Contributing ODM MPs
ODM’s George Aladwa (Makadara) led the list of silent members in his party, joined by:
- Mohamed Soud Machele (Mvita)
- Paul Abuor (Rongo)
- Kipronoh Patrick Osero (Borabu)
Other Parties
Other notable silent MPs came from Wiper, Democratic Alliance Party-Kenya (DAP-K), and Jubilee, including:
- Irene Kasalu (Kitui, Wiper)
- Patrick Barasa Simiyu (Cherangany, DAP-K)
- Irene Njoki Mrembo (Bahati, Jubilee)
Most Vocal MPs in 2024
The report celebrated the most active MPs, measured by their contributions to bills, motions, and parliamentary questions. The top contributors included:
- Wilberforce Oundo Ojiambo (Funyula, ODM): 103 contributions
- Beatrice Elachi (Dagoreti North, ODM): 98 contributions
- James Nyikal (Seme, ODM): 94 contributions
- Makali Mulu (Kitui Central, Wiper): 80 contributions
- Adan Wehliye (Eldas, UDA): 41 contributions
Leading Female MPs
Among female MPs, Beatrice Elachi stood out as the most vocal, followed by:
- Zamzam Chimba Mohammed (Mombasa, ODM)
- Catherine Omanyo (Busia, ODM)
- Jane Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga, UDA)
- Dorothy Ikiara (Nominated, Jubilee)
Senate Performance
In the Senate, top contributors included:
- Samson Cherargei (Nandi, UDA)
- Eddy Gicheru (Migori, ODM)
- Tabitha Mutinda (Nominated, UDA)
- Erick Mogeni (Nyamira, ODM)
- Gloria Orwoba (Nominated, UDA)
On the other hand, Senators with the fewest contributions were:
- Issa Boy (Kwale, ODM): 6 contributions
- Betty Batuli (Nominated, Jubilee): 19 contributions
- Shakilla Mohamed (Nominated, Wiper): 22 contributions
Key Takeaways
The report highlights both excellence and underperformance among Kenyan legislators.
It calls for increased accountability and participation from all representatives, emphasizing the critical role of active parliamentary engagement in addressing national issues.