MPs have demanded an explanation on the role of Deputy Prime Ministers Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi from the government.
They
wanted a brief on the work flow at the Prime Minister's office and the role of
his two deputies.
The
MPs were concerned that when Prime minister Raila Odinga fails to appear in
Parliament to respond to questions by MPs, his two deputies are never there to
take up the responsibility on the PM's behalf.
The
issue was raised by Garsen MP Danson Mungatana (Narc Kenya) as the House waited
for Mr Odinga to give his statement during the Prime Minister's Question Time
Wednesday afternoon.
The
PM came in a few minutes later and it was during that time that queries on the
role of his deputies arose.
Mr
Mungatana and Nominated MP Millie Odhiambo (ODM) said the country needed to get
value for money, and it was important that taxpayers get their due.
"What
are they getting the perks for? Do they deserve to earn that money and the
perks," Ms Odhiambo posed.
Chepalungu
MP Isaac Ruto (ODM) suggested that responsibilities for the two deputy prime
ministers be re-allocated to other ministers describing Mr Mudavadi and Mr
Kenyatta as back-benchers.
"How
can members of the back-bench come here to respond to our questions and the
country needs to know whether they are still earning from those titles. We need
value for money. They are unable to do their work," said Mr Ruto.
Trade
minister Moses Wetang'ula, the only minister in the House at the time, had been
called upon by the Speaker to respond to MPs questions on the role of the two
deputy premiers.
While
he was categorical that their positions had not been scrapped and that the two
attend Cabinet meeting as ministers, Mr Wetang'ula said he was unaware of how
Mr Odinga and his two deputies operate in as far as sharing assignments was
concerned.
When
he came to the House, Mr Odinga also confirmed to the MPs that Mr Kenyatta and
Mr Mudavadi always attend Cabinet meetings.
He
explained that he did not delegate responsibilities to the two saying issues
raised by MPs would be addressed "another day."
"They
(the issues) are part of coalition challenges that will be addressed with
time," Mr Odinga told the House.
The
Prime minister and his two deputies can only be removed from the office through
a confidence vote in Parliament.
Source:
Daily Nation
