A debate is brewing within Kenyan political circles regarding the increasingly common practice of holding Parliamentary Group (PG) meetings at State House.
Critics argue that this trend undermines the independence of the legislature and grants undue influence to the executive branch.
Concerns were recently played out during the Morning Cafe talk show on TV47, hosted by Fred Indimuli, where Former Majority Leader of the Senate Samuel L. Poghisio, asserted that PG meetings should convene in neutral locations.
“Holding these crucial meetings at State House gives the impression that decisions are being dictated rather than democratically deliberated,” Poghisio stated.
“Historically, even during the single-party era, PG meetings took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) or within the precincts of Parliament itself. This recent shift is worrying.”
This sentiment was echoed by Kipruto Arap Kirwa, former Agriculture Minister in Kenya, who noted the significance of maintaining institutional boundaries. “The location of such meetings carries symbolic weight,” they argued.
“It should reflect the separation of powers that underpins our democratic system. When the legislature consistently meets at the executive’s residence, it blurs these lines and potentially compromises the autonomy of our elected representatives.”
The discussions come at a time of shifting political alliances, with observations being made about closer ties between the ruling coalition and the opposition.
Critics contend that holding PG meetings at State House could further solidify these alignments under the influence of the executive.
While proponents of the current practice argue that it fosters better communication and collaboration between the executive and the legislature, detractors maintain that the long-term implications for democratic governance warrant a reconsideration of the meeting venue.
