It is quite unfortunate that the Leader of Majority Party of the Senate, Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, has been quoted saying Parliament is “Dead”.
Well, Senator Kipchumba please be specific because unless you mean Senate is “dead” or “died a long time ago”, the National Assembly is alive and doing what it knows best, that is resolving issues of concern of the people of Kenya.
Tomorrow[Tuesday], I invite you to follow our proceedings as we sit to deliberate on measures geared towards cushioning Kenyans from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just to be specific tomorrow among other urgent priority business we will get to discuss tax measures aimed at cushioning Kenyans among them reduction of VAT and PAYE and the Supplementary Budget, Estimates and Tax laws amendment bill that shall ensure we have the resources to fight the Pandemic.
We shall also consider regulations on prevention and control of COVID-19, and the regulations on the establishment of the Emergency Response Fund.
We shall also consider other proposals by individual Members all aimed at fighting the Covid-19 Pandemic. As the National Assembly, we shall walk with Kenyans until the end. They can trust us on this.
The unprecedented time we are facing now calls us as leaders and institutions to pull together. It is not time to assign blame or look inward by calling the institution that you head, dead. What hope do you give our people? It is indeed sad and I hope you know when you call Senate “dead” it beats logic why it exists.
Well, let me tell you about the National Assembly. We are alive and ready to stand for Kenyans. We shall do so until the end of this Pandemic. That is why we were established. We will give hope where there is none and give Kenyans the reason to be resolute to fight this Pandemic.
As the National Assembly, we will through all means seek to implement the proposals by the Executive. However, in doing so we will also oversight as we have always done in line with our constitutional mandate espoused in Article 95.
To those who think being at loggerheads with other arms of government is the evidence of a mortal institution have no idea about their constitutional duties.
As the National Assembly, on the fight against COVID-19 Pandemic, we will create synergies when there is a need to and oversight on all measures by the Executive. That is what we were elected to do. To Represent, legislate and oversight.
I could not think of a perfect time to live true to our three functions. The time is now and to all Kenyans, National Assembly will do the three with excellence until the COVID-19 Pandemic is defeated.
To you, my good friend, Senator Murkomen, next time be specific and speak for the Senate.
Aden Duale is the Majority Leader in the National Assembly and the MP for Garissa Town Constituency.
