Photo source: businessdailyafrica.com
Lugari MP, Ayub Savula, has questioned the motive behind attempts to gag the media by a section of fellow his legislators.
Referring to the controversial Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill that was already before the August house, and which was drafted by ODM’s Adan Keynan, Savula who was speaking in his constituency Sunday accused MPs in support of the Bill of insincerity, saying introduction of such draconian laws was an attempt to return the country back to dark days of dictatorship.
“What mischievous deeds do our colleagues want to carry out while inside parliament not worthy the eye of the camera?” asked Savula, who added that if such a Bill were to sail through parliament and be enacted to law, it would make members of public become suspicious of elected leaders.
“MPs are public figures and are directly answerable to the electorate. And since they are subject to public scrutiny, the media is one of the most important avenues through which such an important activity can be exercised,” added Savula.
On the current cash crunch that is affecting the country, the lawmaker wants President Uhuru Kenyatta to address the country’s state of economy in his public address during celebrations to mark Mashujaa Day on Tuesday.
“The current financial crisis is a very weighty issue which should not be left in hands of the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Henry Rotich, alone. The President should address the issue and perhaps tell Kenyans what the government is doing to arrest the same,” suggested the lawmaker.