Why MPs granted themselves immunity

Ever since members of the National Assembly passed an amendment of the Constitution, it has become obvious that the country’s political leadership is out to grant themselves immunity from prosecution. They want to block the Judiciary from “interfering” with matters affecting them and any other decision they make in their parliamentary role.

But while these MPs continue to suffer under the current law, judges on the other hand are protected from criminal or civil liability in cases of omission and commission done during the discharge of their functions as stipulated under Article 160 (5) of the Constitution.

However, the Judiciary will also be barred from entertaining any suit filed against them or any other illegality, rendered by these assemblies and individual members anywhere within the 47 counties and at the national government level.

While Parliament had restrained itself from discussing matters touching on the Judiciary, the courts on the other hand have failed to do the same for the august House.

Constitutionally, the three arms of government are independent and interdependent.

When MPs last week passed bills granting themselves immunity from prosecution, this was a show of impunity. Have the law makers in this country turned law breakers over night?

Our MPs and the entire leadership should not be the few privileged lot who are out to exploit their position in society and openly create ‘selfish’ laws. In fact, rushed laws of such a caliber could return to haunt us.

Parliament has the mandate to pass proper laws that can give the country lasting solutions and not laws that can revive old societal ills. Short-sighted politicians can easily plunge the nation into chaos. Kenyans can only achieve progress if all citizens are treated equally by the law when they have opportunity and access to information and resources.