This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
Published on July 12, 2020, a report by Mzalendo Trust revealed that Oscar Sudi, the Member of Parliament for Kapseret in Uasin Gishu County, did not utter a word from the floor of the National Assembly between September 2017 and December 2018.
Despite his reputation as a fierce defender of Deputy President William Ruto, Sudi's silence in Parliament has raised eyebrows, particularly given his tendency to speak out on social media and in public forums.
According to Mzalendo Trust, more than 60% of the work of Parliament is carried out in and by committees, leaving room for interpretation on the importance of participation in plenary sessions.
However, critics argue that an MP's ability to articulate the concerns of their constituents and provide solutions is a key aspect of their job, and that silence in Parliament can be a red flag.
Busia Senator Amos Wako's silence during the same period has also been questioned, given his wealth of experience and wisdom.
Electors are urged not to keep quiet when their representatives do not speak in the National Assembly or the Senate, as this can be a sign of a lack of engagement with the issues of the day.
