BONYO'S BONE: House of self-representation

Honorable Members of the National Assembly returned to work this week after a long recess. A well-deserved break that was intended to give them an opportunity to go back to their constituents and listen to them.

One would expect that in return, the Honorable Members of the August House came back recharged and ready to represent, legislate and oversee on behalf of the electorate. Just like they had sworn when they took the oath of office.

They did not go off the script. The scene was set as it has always been, and the theatrics were a notch higher. The two Houses of Parliament have never fallen short of drama if needed.

And this week, fresh from rest and relaxation, they hit the roof. The National Assembly was unhinged. Emotions flared, but not about a school in Seme Sub-county that received 87 shillings in capitation. No, not about the cancer treatment machines that broke down at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Your devoted servants hit the roof because the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said certain things that were not pleasing to their ears. Words not policies. But that was only day one of reporting back from recess.

On day two, they once again set aside precious legislative, representation and oversight time to discuss one of their own. As usual, they did not disappoint in discussing what is now turning out to be a class act by the Juja Member of Parliament, George Koimburi. They shouted themselves hoarse.

On reflection, I have once again hit my search button to get the exact and true meaning of an August House. My results, which are basic, say the following.

The term "August House" is used to refer to a legislative body, particularly a Parliament. The term "August" in this context carries a sense of dignity, reverence, and importance. It implies that the institution is esteemed, honorable, and worthy of respect.

I’m still struggling to juxtapose the building on Parliament Road, its occupants, their theatrics and the definition of the August House.

As representatives of the people, having just got back from their constituencies, if at all they were there, the in-tray must be full. Kenyans are yearning for better, and quality legislation, representation and oversight.

The pressure is way too much for ordinary Kenyans that they do not really bother much with issues that can easily be discussed over lunch in the Parliamentary cafeteria or in the same House gym lobby.

The floor of the House should be Kenyan's refuge and voice on things that matter to us. Our heart and soul, our flesh and blood, a space for our hopes, our pain, our truth. It should echo with the cries of the people not theatrics that can best be described as good content for reels and not laws.

That is my bone tonight.