Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has emphasised the importance of fostering a bipartisan approach in the legislature, urging Members of Parliament to be conscious of this.
He noted that such an approach will help address many of the issues currently facing Kenya.
“The challenges facing our nation are too great to be solved by a single party. We must appreciate that our work in the Fourth Session comes against the backdrop of a broad-based government,” he said.
The Fourth Session simply means a term where MPs get together to discuss issues of importance to the country. It is like a school term. The Fourth Session will begin in February 2025.
“I therefore urge us to embrace this spirit, put our differences aside, and work towards discharging our mandate as a collective despite concerns and criticisms regarding the motivation behind the formation of the broad-based government,” he added.
Junet was speaking on Tuesday during the National Assembly mid-term retreat at Lake Naivasha Resort, Nakuru County.
He pointed out that the importance of collaboration and cooperation among the leadership of the House and MPs in legislative and other business cannot be overstated in terms of its potential to boost and accelerate the discharge of the National Assembly’s mandate.
Consequently, he urged the leadership of the House to always create a shared vision that aligns with the goals of various political parties while emphasising national interests over partisan agendas.
In doing so, he said, all members of the National Assembly will be motivated to work towards a common goal, ultimately building enhanced synergy.
Junet also stated that there is a need for the leadership to capitalise on role modeling for other members of the National Assembly, especially those who are first-time members.
“Nothing short of collaborative behavior should be exemplified by ourselves,” he added.
He further pointed out the need to demonstrate the importance of unity and teamwork in all interactions as they carry out their legislative business.
The Suna East MP encouraged the leadership of the House and the MPs at large to put their best foot forward during the Fourth Session.
“Let us strive to improve our performance rather than lower our expectations,” Junet said.
He urged them to put in the work, not for self-gain but for their constituents.
“I wish to state that the work of the leadership of the House and this National Assembly is far from complete. There is still much to be done, and we must always remember that our duty is to serve the people, not political interests, and in doing so, we will strengthen our democracy,” Junet said.
