President William Ruto has revealed plans to inculcate etiquette in newly elected Kenya Kwanza members of parliament.
Speaking during the Kenya Kwanza parliamentary group meeting in Naivasha on Thursday, September 16, Ruto indicated that the coalition will lay down measures to ensure the first-time MPs are mentored ahead of the big task that awaits them in Parliament.
“Tomorrow we are going to have a session to show a bit of etiquette, to show how to hold a fork. Sometimes we get embarrassed when we have big leaders and they do not know how to hold a spoon," Ruto joked to the delight of his allies.
"We will take time tomorrow so that we can mentor everybody. We cannot take things for granted. To the seniors who are here, let’s mentor the newcomers. Don’t harass the young ones, show them how CDF works, and show them how committees work," he added.
Further, Ruto challenged the MPs allied to Kenya Kwanza to attend House sittings and play an active role in legislation and debates.
While referring to previous reports that indicated that some members were inactive in the 12th Parliament, Ruto warned his allies against absconding their legislative mandate.
"Parliament is not a place to sell potatoes. It's a place to talk about the affairs of the people to articulate issues that are important to your constituents," Ruto implored the MPs.
In addition, he downplayed the claims by Azimio la Umoja chief Raila Odinga that the opposition was set to control both Houses of Parliament with their majority members.
"I have heard our competitors trying to say they have numbers, if they cannot even raise a candidate for the Senate Speaker position what numbers do they have? There is no need to bring a contest where there is none," the President trolled his opponents.
Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza brigade will be in Naivasha for two days to deliberate on a strategy ahead of nominating members for key Parliamentary committees.
The coalition which brings together the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Amani National Congress, Ford Kenya and Pamoja African Alliance- among others is keen on clinching the leadership of crucial House committees as well as the leader of the majority.
However, Kenya Kwanza is facing formidable opposition from MPs who also claimed to be in control of Parliament. On Friday, Raila Odinga urged members affiliated with the coalition to be active in undertaking the oversight role in Parliament.
“As the majority coalition in the National Assembly, we’ll play our oversight role robustly to ensure resources are prudently utilized by the executive,” Raila remarked during the Azimio parliamentary group meeting.
