MCAs who have consistently failed to attend House sittings risk losing their seats in accordance with the assembly’s standing orders, Garissa Speaker Abdi Idle has warned.
Speaking to the press in his office, Idle said absenteeism among some MCAs had severely affected the operations of the assembly.
This, he said, leads to delays in processing crucial bills and motions meant to benefit residents of Garissa county.
The speaker noted that failure by members to attend House proceedings not only delayed legislative business but also affects oversight and service delivery to residents.
He regretted that several important bills were currently stalled at different stages because the assembly had repeatedly failed to attain the quorum required for debate and decision-making.
“I have to be honest with you, the continued absence of members from House sittings is seriously undermining the legislative mandate and denying residents effective representation,” he said.
He said the time had come for MCAs to take their legislative responsibilities seriously, noting that the electorate had entrusted them with the duty of representing their interests effectively.
“I have evidence on the floor of the House of my constant communication to the members to take up their roles seriously. Unfortunately, my communication is not being taken seriously,” Idle said.
The speaker warned that the assembly’s standing orders were explicit on the consequences facing members who abscond sittings for prolonged periods.
“ The standing orders are very clear. When one misses eight consecutive sessions, then that is enough to send one home and the people of Garissa can elect another representative who will be committed to the job,” he said.
He urged MCAs to put aside personal interests and prioritise the needs of the people who elected them, warning that continued absenteeism would not be tolerated.
Jarajila MCA Noor Sheikh Farah, speaking to the Star, confirmed the speaker’s allegations, saying absenteeism had been a major issue for a long time.
“The speaker is very right on this one. I have been in the assembly for the last four years and I can tell you, many are the times when business has been adjourned for lack of quorum. Many bills at various stages that are supposed to be debated are stuck as a result of lack of quorum,” Farah said.
Speaking to the press separately, human rights activists and members of civil society organisations expressed concern over the issue.
Led by Muktar Dahir, head of the Garissa County Human Rights Defenders Network, they said the revelations painted a worrying picture of negligence and failure by some elected leaders to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them by the people who elected them.
“As human rights defenders and advocates for accountable leadership, we remind all MCAs they were elected by wananchi to serve and uphold the interests of the people,” Muktar said.
“Attendance and active participation in assembly sessions are not favours to the public; they are constitutional and moral obligations attached to the offices they hold.”
Muktar called on the leadership of the assembly to institute firm measures that promote discipline and accountability among members who consistently fail to attend sessions without legitimate reasons.
“The culture of absenteeism should not be normalised in a democratic institution entrusted with safeguarding the interests of the people.,” he said.
“The people of Garissa deserve a functioning assembly that works efficiently, debates issues affecting citizens, oversees the executive effectively and passes legislation that promotes development, justice and good governance,” Muktar added.
He said, as civil society and human rights defenders, they would continue monitoring the conduct and performance of elected leaders and would not hesitate to publicly call out actions or omissions that undermine democratic governance and service delivery.
