Engage Parliament on national issues, Muturi urges as august House holds open day

Head of protocal in the office of the Speaker Nyapere Leonard (left) helps Nashan Njoroge to try out the speaker‘s attire during an open day in Nairobi yesterday. [PHOTO: BEVERLYNE MUSILI/ STANDARD]

Parliament yesterday opened doors to the public as it marked this year’s Parliamentary Week, with a call to Kenyans to engage lawmakers more on national issues.

The annually event organised by the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) seeks to strengthen the legislature’s engagement with the public as stipulated in Article 118 of the constitution. This year's theme was 'connecting Parliament with the people.'

The usually quiet and restricted parliamentary grounds were a bee-hive of activities as wananchi turned up to understand how legislative work is done, while others took the rare opportunity to step into the debating chambers.

The public engaged the parliamentary leadership, legislators and the staff on the daily operations of Parliament and how their concerns can be addressed.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, who is also the PSC chairman, Commissioner Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye and Senior Deputy Clerk Michael Sialai, led parliamentary officials in showcasing their activities to the public.

“The public is a key stakeholder in ensuring that Parliament conducts business as required by law. With this open day, the Legislature is able to connect with the citizens,” stated Mr Muturi.

He added, “Public participation is a constitutional requirement, which gives us legitimacy. The consent of the people is supreme. If we fail to engage the people, we run a risk of disobedience on the part of the people and the Executive in implementing laws, also the courts can declare them null and void.”

Muturi affirmed that Parliament has made provisions for procedure to petition both Houses of Parliament. The Speaker also pledged that starting next year, the annual event will involve students from all parts of the country.