Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo: Parliament isn’t doing good
By David Nthua, August 27, 2025Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has admitted that Parliament is not doing well, amid corruption accusations directed at lawmakers by President William Ruto.
Speaking during an event at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Otiende said the 13th Parliament had fallen short in living up to its oversight mandate.
Parliament under scrutiny
Otiende did not shy away from conceding the shortcomings of the legislature.
“I am the first to concede that I don’t think we are doing well in Parliament, especially the 13th Parliament. I am not here to apologise, just like all the other branches, there are successes, but there is work to be done,” he said.
His remarks come just days after President Ruto accused both the Senate and the National Assembly of harbouring members who allegedly take bribes to influence legislative decisions.
The President’s claims, which have sparked intense debate, have placed Parliament under renewed public scrutiny.
Institutional weaknesses
Amollo highlighted institutional rivalry as a core challenge undermining efficiency in the legislature.
“At least in our favour, 15 years down the line, we still have a bicameral Parliament, we can impeach.
“There are two problems that I see: the problem between the National Assembly and the Senate.
“MPs are yet to learn that there is no government or opposition inside of Parliament, there is only the majority and minority, and collectively we are supposed to oversight the Executive,” he explained.
The senior lawyer noted that as long as legislators continue to align themselves along government or opposition lines, their ability to provide credible checks and balances will remain compromised.
Otiende’s candid remarks add to a growing chorus of voices calling for Parliament to reform itself and regain public trust.
Critics have argued that Parliament’s credibility has been weakened by partisan politics, as well as allegations of collusion with the Executive.
His acknowledgement is likely to fuel broader discussions on legislative reforms, even as citizens remain watchful of how Parliament handles pressing issues such as corruption, governance, and economic legislation in the coming months.