Wamuchomba: State House calls dictate MPs' decisions in Parliament
Her remarks sparked mixed reactions from fellow lawmakers on the panel, including Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, who refuted Wamuchomba’s claims.
Members of Parliament (MPs) are often pressured to vote in line with directives from political leaders, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has claimed.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, she alleged that legislators receive calls from senior officials, including the Majority Leader, the Majority Whip, and even the State House, dictating their voting decisions, terming the move a "cage of political patronism" within Kenya's governance system.
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"No single vote happens in Parliament without MPs receiving instructions from political leaders. We saw this during the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua and debates on the Finance Bill," she said.
The MP argued that this systemic pressure undermines the independence of lawmakers. She specifically pointed to Gachagua's case, suggesting that he, too, was constrained by this political "cage" during his tenure, limiting his ability to address critical issues such as the June 2024 Gen Z killings which were prompted by the Finance Bill protetsts.
“Some of us are conflicted because we are never comfortable in the cage. Now that Rigathi Gachagua is out of that cage, he can speak freely,” Wamuchomba said.
Wamuchomba further alleged that the current regime has failed to address pressing economic and social challenges, accusing it of exploiting tribalism to consolidate power.
Her remarks sparked mixed reactions from fellow lawmakers on the panel, including Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, who refuted Wamuchomba’s claims.
"I received no phone calls. My decisions are independent, and everyone knew my stand," Kagiri responded firmly.
The discussion shed light on growing concerns about political control in Kenya, particularly amid calls for accountability following the Gen Z killings, which triggered nationwide protests.
Since his impeachment in October 2024, Gachagua has consistently criticised the Ruto-led administration, accusing it of poor governance and a failure to deliver results.
Speaking during a TikTok live session last week, he described the government’s progress as inadequate, prompting a sharp rebuke from the president.
Addressing supporters in Bungoma and Busia counties, Ruto dismissed Gachagua’s criticisms, branding him as divisive and uninformed.
“He doesn’t understand our programs, whether it’s UHC, housing, agriculture, or youth initiatives. He has no position to lecture us,” Ruto said.
The president, instead, emphasised his commitment to uniting the country and delivering equitable development, dismissing what he termed "petty tribal politics."
“There is no community or region that will be left out of development. That is my mission, and I will not be distracted or blackmailed,” Ruto added.
The former DP is now expected to unveil his new political party as he prepares for a potential showdown with President Ruto in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
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