The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has asserted that the executive branch has gained significant influence over the legislature, rendering lawmakers unable to perform their duties independently.
Maanzo, who transitioned from being a Member of Parliament for Makueni in 2013 to a Senator in 2022, alleges interference in parliamentary affairs by President William Ruto’s administration, a phenomenon he claims was less prevalent during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
During a panel discussion on Citizen TV’s Day Break program, Maanzo affirmed that Parliament is “completely” under the sway of the executive, citing stark differences between the current administration and the previous one.
He highlighted the contentious 2023 Finance Act, which he alleges was passed through fraudulent means with the Kenya Kwanza Alliance purportedly bribing independent legislators and opposition MPs from the Azimo la Umoja One Kenya coalition party to secure their support.
Maanzo outlined various methods of interference, asserting that manipulation primarily occurs within the National Assembly, orchestrated through leaders of the majority. He emphasized that corruption within the legislative body originates from such leaders, including those from the majority and minority factions.
The senator noted an exception during the Senate’s vote on Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s impeachment motion in November of the previous year, where he claimed there was no apparent influence from State House. Maanzo suggested that the absence of intervention allowed members to make decisions independently.
Maanzo’s remarks coincide with a State House meeting on Monday involving leaders from the executive, judiciary, and legislature, aimed at resolving tensions between the judiciary and the executive. This meeting followed public criticism from Ruto directed at the judiciary for halting government projects through court orders.
Some observers viewed this meeting as further evidence of executive overreach into other branches of government, sparking concerns about the independence of the judiciary and Parliament. Opposition leader Raila Odinga criticized the meeting, characterizing it as an attempt to coerce judges into compliance with the executive’s agenda, emphasizing the importance of conducting such discussions through neutral channels.
