Kenya’s democracy stands at a crossroads.
Our founding fathers envisioned a nation governed not by fear or favour, but by the will of the people expressed through their elected representatives.
Yet, in recent years, the forces of populism, apathy, and institutional distrust have begun to erode the very foundation of that vision.
At the heart of every democracy lies Parliament, the cradle of public accountability and the guardian of the people’s sovereignty.
When Parliament is strong, democracy thrives.
When it is undermined, the voice of the people is silenced.
Parliament is not a building of brick and bronze, it is the living heartbeat of the Republic.
It embodies the hopes, frustrations, and aspirations of every Kenyan from the farmer in Bungoma to the fisher in Homa Bay, the teacher in Nyeri, and the trader in Vanga.
It is, therefore, imperative that legislators remain steadfast in defending the independence and integrity of the institution.
Legislative oversight is not hostility toward the Executive, it is the constitutional mechanism that ensures balance, accountability, and service to the citizen.
When Parliament asks tough questions, it is not opposing government, it is upholding democracy.
One of the gravest challenges facing modern democracies is the growing public skepticism toward institutions.
Citizens must never view Parliament as a place of privilege, but as a platform of service.
To rebuild trust, the House must lead by example through integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedication to the public interest.
The people must see themselves reflected in the work of their representatives, in every debate, motion, and bill that touches their daily lives.
Today’s democracy operates in a digital world, where information travels faster than truth.
Social media has empowered citizens but also amplified misinformation, manipulation, and division.
Parliament must lead in crafting legislation that protects free expression while safeguarding national cohesion and factual discourse.
We must embrace digital openness, from livestreamed proceedings to open data to bring the people closer to their Parliament.
Kenya’s strength lies in her diversity of language, culture, and opinion.
Political competition must never morph into enmity, debate must not degenerate into destruction.
Our politics must evolve from the pursuit of power to the pursuit of purpose.
The House should remain a theatre of ideas where differences are respected, and solutions forged through consensus.
Democracy is not self-sustaining, it thrives only when nurtured by vigilance and moral courage.
The Constitution entrusts Parliament with a sacred mandate to make laws, check power, and represent the people.
That duty must never be abdicated.
As we reflect on the journey of our Republic, let us renew our collective commitment to protect the institutions that give life to our democracy.
Let us remember that the ultimate power in Kenya does not reside in offices or titles it rests with the people.
In reclaiming the soul of our democracy, we
reclaim the promise of our nation, a Kenya that is free, fair, just, and united
in purpose.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, EGH, MP, is the Speaker
of the National Assembly of Kenya.
