The trend of leaders fighting, whether in parliament or even on the streets is now disturbingly normal, considering previous incidences where MPs have chosen to throw tantrums instead of taking care of matters at hand with the intent of disrupting the proceedings or showing their lack of agreement on an issue. It’s not surprising to watch news of leaders fighting anymore. We have got used to it.
This was seen recently in the proceedings to impeach the Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero over claims of misappropriating funds and violating the constitution. Even after EACC warned MCA’s that misbehavior will warrant them punishment, they still engaged the sergeant-at-arms in a tussle after the speaker ordered Eastleigh South MCA Nelson Masiga, who initiated the drama, out of the chamber.
This followed an incident earlier on where they had attempted to block Viwandani MCA Samuel Nyang’wara from reading the motion.
The constitution is a handbook, it should be able to guide this processes, and leaders don’t have to fight as we already have a constitution which is in itself fair and legal. This is becoming a trend which portrays Kenyan leaders in a bad light. These are the same leaders we look up to and trust with the responsibility to represent, lead, and guide us. These incidences say it’s okay to resort to violence, why not; our leaders are doing it anyway. If you don’t agree with something, ignore the laws just use force and immature ways preventing it from being passed.
A similar incident occurred back in 2014 when members of parliament engaged in a physical confrontation after sweeping of Anti-terrorism Laws was approved which saw the parliamentary speaker Justin Muturi battered with books, documents, and other objects by members of the opposition.
In, 2015, two MPs got into a fierce argument over a power blackout at parliament buildings that lasted three days due to failure to pay dues.
In mid-2016 Sonko and Kidero fought after he accused Kidero and his Personal Assistant of murdering the wife of a property owner in Nairobi’s Kilimani area. They exchanged blows at a Senate Public Accounts Committee session where Kidero was being questioned over the county’s financial spending for 2013/14 financial year. This irritating trend should come to an end and leaders should choose to behave in a civil and calm manner.