- Leonard Wa Muthende was seen enjoying a phone conversation in parliament, while MP Ndindi Nyoro was speaking
- Wa Muthende gave his first speech thanking the UDA leadership, his family, and the voters for believing in him
- Some Kenyans expressed different opinions about his action claiming it was a minor mistake, while others interpreted it as a lack of respect
The new Member of Parliament for Mbeere North, Leonard Wa Muthende, sparked a debate after he was caught on camera having a long phone conversation in Parliament on his first day attending the session.
Source: Facebook
Wa Muthende, who ran for the seat on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, defeated his Democratic Party (DP) opponent, Newton Karish, in the by-election held on Thursday, November 27.
The new MPs were sworn in on Tuesday, December 2, and gave their first speeches on Thursday, December 4.
What did Muthende say in parliament?
In his first speech, the MP thanked all the leaders of UDA and his family for supporting him during the competitive campaigns.
“To the people of Mbeere North I say, I made a promise, I will remain focused on fulfilling the goals we set together, including scholarships, free day high schools, fighting for our roads, and making laws. I will be a faithful steward and ensure that every shilling is well spent for your benefit,” he promised.
Wa Muthende also promised to be a hardworking member of parliament and contribute to discussions for the development of the country.
However, when the Member of Parliament for Kiharu, Ndindi Nyoro, was speaking, Wa Muthende was busy on the phone. At some point, he interrupted one call and received another.
Concerns arose as MPs are expected to maintain focus and avoid distractions during sessions.
Is using the phone in parliament allowed?
According to the Speaker’s Rules, using the phone inside the Parliament hall while the session is in progress is an unacceptable act and is seen as misconduct.
Photography and mobile use are also only allowed in designated areas.
Visitors who are unsure of these conditions are advised to ask the protocol officers or congressional staff for proper instructions.
In addition, MPs and guests should dress modestly and maintain silence in the guest hall at all times.
They should not take pictures, record, or use phones in those venues.
How did the Kenyans feel?
Wa Muthende’s action provoked different opinions online, some condemning it as a lack of respect for Parliament, others calling it political immaturity, while others say it is a small mistake by a new person.
Here are some of their comments:
- John Muli: “When he’s talking, he’s busy on the phone; it’s just a matter of time.”
- Atsenga Ronny:He doesn’t even care what is being discussed.”
- George Mwash: “Where is the problem and he is not the one with the microphone.”
- GM Harun: “While we listen to the flow of wisdom, Wa Muthende is busy on the phone.”
- Victory Mark: “That is misconduct. He shouldn’t have started this early.”
- Geoffrey Odhiambo: “It is possible that he did not know the rules of the Parliament? This is a disturbance, a lack of discipline. I thought that a leader who is vying for a position must be researched first.”
Why has Muthende’s election been met with objections?
Source: Facebook
Meanwhile, two voters from Embu filed a court case against Wa Muthende’s victory, claiming inconsistencies in his personal statement.
They claimed that the elected MP used two names: Leonard Wa Muthende Njeru and Leo Wa Muthende Njeru.
Although the KIEMS device identified him as Leonard Wa Muthende Njeru on the day of voting, he was declared the winner as Leo Wa Muthende Njeru.
The voters asked the court to hear the matter urgently, annul the November 27 by-election, and order a new election in the constituency.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
