MPs Are Not Our Enemies—Until They Vote Against Us

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 How Kenya’s lawmakers are betraying the very people they swore to serve

It is often said that Members of Parliament (MPs) are “our representatives.” They come from our communities, walk among us during elections, share our struggles—at least in words—and promise to fight for our interests. But something happens when they cross into Parliament. Suddenly, the voices they amplify are not ours. Their votes begin to favor the privileged few. And just like that, they transform from representatives to enablers of oppression.

The Finance Bill 2024 is the latest betrayal in a long line of decisions that prove many Kenyan MPs are no longer acting on behalf of the people. And while some argue that MPs are not the real enemy—that the Executive shoulders the blame—the truth is, complicity is just as damaging as direct harm. When you vote to burden citizens with taxes they cannot bear, you are the problem.

The Finance Bill: A Litmus Test of Loyalty

The Finance Bill 2024 proposed a slew of new taxes that would make life even harder for ordinary Kenyans: taxes on essential goods, on mobile money transactions, on vehicle ownership, and more. It came at a time when inflation was high, fuel prices were biting, and unemployment was rampant.

Public outcry was immediate and loud. Civil society, activists, and especially Gen Z led an online revolt. Hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament trended for days. Kenyans across the social and political spectrum made it clear: we cannot afford more taxes.

So what did the MPs do?

Most voted yes.

They looked the other way. They ignored their constituents. They stood behind the Executive instead of the electorate. And when the votes were counted, it wasn’t just the bill that passed—it was a vote of no confidence from the people.

From Mouthpieces to Rubber Stamps

Kenya’s Parliament has slowly turned from a house of debate to a house of compliance. The ruling party—and sometimes even the opposition—coalesces around presidential directives. Loyalty to the party whip overrides loyalty to the citizen. Bills are passed with minimal scrutiny, little public engagement, and often with shocking indifference to the suffering on the ground.

This is how bad policies thrive. The Executive proposes, and Parliament rubber-stamps. And when the consequences hit—higher food prices, shrinking wallets, and crumbling public services—it’s not the MPs who suffer. It’s the mwananchi.

Let’s be clear: An MP who votes for a bill that hurts their people is not just failing—they are complicit.

“We See You” 

For years, Kenyans have complained but rarely acted. But something has changed. The betrayal by MPs is no longer being taken quietly. On social media, angry youth are naming and shaming MPs by constituency. Infographics are being shared listing those who supported the bill. Some MPs have had to deactivate their Twitter/X accounts. Others have faced protests in their own backyards.

In Embakasi, Dagoretti, Roysambu, and parts of Central Kenya, youth-led campaigns are forming to say: "We will never forget how you voted." This is a pivotal shift. It’s not just about opposition anymore—it’s about accountability.

Kenyans are starting to say: You are not our enemy—until you vote against us. Then you are.

The Danger of Parliamentary Disconnect

MPs enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country. They are cushioned from the pain of the economy, insulated by perks, allowances, and state protections. They live in a different Kenya—one that most of us cannot recognize.

And this is the heart of the problem: disconnect. When leaders don’t feel the weight of their decisions, they make decisions that crush others. They can raise taxes because they don’t worry about rent. They can vote for fuel hikes because they have fuel cards. They can slash subsidies because they don’t queue for Unga.

But Kenya is changing. The people are watching. And the streets are talking.

2027 Is Coming—But It May Not Be About Ballots

While many leaders are banking on Kenyans to forget by 2027, the new generation might not wait that long. The culture of blind loyalty is fading. More citizens are realizing that voting is not enough if those elected cannot be trusted. There is growing talk of recalls, independent candidates, and mass civic education.

And then there is Gen Z—the unpredictable, tech-savvy, firebrand generation that doesn’t play by old rules. For them, politics isn’t about tribe or party. It’s about action. And they’ve seen enough inaction to know where the problem lies.

If MPs think they can hide behind party lines or blame the Executive, they’re wrong. Kenyans now know how power works. And we know who enabled our pain.

We Deserve Better

The MP who votes against your interest is not your friend. They may come with handouts. They may sponsor your funeral or harambee. But if they vote to make your life harder, they are your oppressor in disguise.

Parliament is not supposed to be a clearinghouse for the Executive. It is supposed to be a check on power. And MPs are not supposed to be spectators—they are supposed to be sentries for the people.

To every Kenyan who feels betrayed: Stay awake. Speak louder. Organize smarter. Keep the receipts. This is our country, and we will no longer clap for our own suffering.

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