This archive report was first published on 18 August 2019.
Published on August 18, 2019, a controversy erupted over a US trip by a contingent of lawmakers, ward representatives, and parliamentary staff to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures in Nashville, Tennessee.
The trip, which cost taxpayers an estimated Sh100 million, sparked outrage after it was revealed that 85 individuals had been sent to the summit, with some countries sending significantly fewer representatives.
Lawmakers argued that those who made the trip belonged to different committees of the two Houses and county assemblies, which have their own budgets for travel.
However, critics, including African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Raila Odinga, argued that the trip was unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer funds.
As the debate raged on, it became clear that the issue was not just about the US trip, but about the broader culture of self-seeking and greed among lawmakers.
MPs have consistently adopted the default position of going on the offence and defence, viciously attacking anyone who criticizes their appetite for money while attempting to justify their big bank accounts.
It is time for Kenyans to elect leaders with the proper calibre, from ward level to the presidency, and to stop ignoring the importance of leadership quality during elections.
