Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has been named the most inactive member on the floor of the National Assembly in 2024, according to a survey by Mzalendo Trust.
The report revealed at least 19 lawmakers as perennial non-speakers, raising concerns about their engagement on key issues of public interest debated in the House, including taxation, finance laws, housing, and health.
Mzalendo, a parliamentary monitoring organization in Kenya, noted that the lack of participation in debates on national issues and constituency matters reflects a failure to fulfill one of the parliamentarians’ core mandates as representatives of the people.
Makadara MP George Aladwa, elected on an ODM ticket, was also among the least vocal lawmakers in the survey.
The report further highlighted the political affiliations of the silent MPs. Sudi, for instance, is known to be a close ally of President William Ruto and holds significant influence within the current administration. Meanwhile, Aladwa has strong ties with opposition leader Raila Odinga, who exerts considerable influence over the National Assembly’s affairs.
Mzalendo observed that these MPs often missed sessions where contentious national issues were discussed but were present during voting stages.
Here is the Full List (Name, constituency and Party):
1. Oscar Sudi – Kapseret (UDA)
2. Paul Abuor – Rongo(ODM)
3. Irene Kasalu – Kitui (Wiper)
4. Charles Gimose Gumini – Hamisi (ANC)
5. Joseph Tonui Kipkosgei – Kuresoi South (UDA)
6. Mathias Nyamabe – Kuria West (UDA)
7. Samuel Kinuthia Gachobe – Subukia (UDA)
8. Patrick Barasa Simiyu – Cherangany (DAP-k)
9. Paul Chebor Kibet – Rongai (UDA)
10. Denar Joseph Hamisi – Nominated (ANC)
11. Joseph Wanaina – Nominated (UDA)
12. Stephen Karani Wachira – Laikipia West (UDA)
13. Mohamed Soud Machele- Mvita (ODM)
14. Irene Njoki – Bahati (Jubilee Party)
15. Alfred Mutai – Kuresoi North (UDA)
16. Patrick Osero – Borabu (ODM)
17. Clement Sloya – Sabatia (UDA)
18. Barre Hussein Abdi – Tarbaj (UDA)
19. George Aladwa – Makadara (ODM)
For example, the lawmakers were absent during the initial deliberations on the controversial Finance Bill 2024 but showed up to vote. Their voting patterns typically aligned with the interests of the National Executive.
They were also present to vote during key moments such as the impeachments of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi.
Conversely, the survey recognized MPs Wilberforce Oundo Ojiambo (Funyula), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), James Nyikal (Seme), Makali Mulu (Kitui Central), and Adan Wehliye (Eldas) as among the most vocal members of the National Assembly, actively contributing to debates on critical issues.
