The contrast between Speaker Justin Muturi and his predecessors is obvious. While Speakers Francis ole Kaparo and Kenneth Marende used wisdom to conceal their powers over debates in the National Assembly, Muturi has clearly placed himself as the high and mighty in the august House.
He has in the recent past put Members of Parliament (MPs) in an awkward position by making outrageous rulings.
Many a time we have seen outrageous remarks coming from the Speaker, with a selection of a few Standing Orders which he craftily selects to defend his authoritarian rule in the House.
Despite impartiality being a requirement for anyone in a position such as Muturi’s, the Speaker has never shied off from making his stand known during debates.
Therefore, it has become difficult to tell whether his rulings on debates are his true stand or that of the Government.
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The Speaker’s role in the House will soon lose meaning if Muturi continues to act in this manner.
His actions are akin to men of the cloth who quote biblical verses that support their course but avoid those that may put them in compromising positions.
MPs across the divide have raised concerns about the conduct of the Speaker but all that has fallen to deaf ears. It is high time the Speaker stopped this high handedness to allow for impartial debate.
