CORD MPs’ conduct during SOTN a big shame

The political bigotry portrayed by some Opposition MPs is a big shame to CORD.

The President's State of the Nation address was meant for Kenyans. This constitutionally significant event didn't deserve the personalised political intolerance.

Orange Democratic Movement Chairman John Mbadi has refuted claims that the Opposition had planned to disrupt the event at Parliament Buildings in advance. He said he wasn't aware of such a plot and that he had no control over the behaviour of the Opposition lawmakers.

The rancorous heckling and whistles that disrupted the President's State of the Nation address portrayed the Opposition as reckless and disrespectful of the presidency. The Constitution that gives the freedom of expression entitlement to all, equally provides for the right to access to information.

Perceived failure by the Government to deliver on its mandate or perceived lack of inclusivity or whatever that led to the breaking of rules of decorum, it was a misguided move.

The Opposition's dismissal of State functions as mere public relations and political stunts is getting too destructive. The unfortunate event at Parliament Buildings last week was in abject disregard of constitutionalism and the law.

Many Kenyans want to know what has been done and all that is yet to be done by the Government. However little it maybe. Parliament is not a lunatic asylum. The State of the Nation address by the President was an important occasion, and should have been given the respect it deserves.

Why is it that CORD finds it so difficult to distinguish between public participation, publicity in governance and public relations in the three years they have fought Jubilee?