You Shall Be Taught How To Use Forks, Spoons- Ruto to MPs

President William Ruto on Friday, September 16 revealed plans to introduce etiquette among Kenya Kwanza Members of Parliament (MPs).

Speaking during the Kenya Kwanza parliamentary group meeting in Naivasha on Friday, September 16, Ruto indicated that the coalition will introduce guidelines so that the first-time MPs are mentored ahead of the big assignment that awaits them in Parliament.

“Tomorrow we are going to have a session to show a bit of etiquette, to show how to hold a fork. Sometimes we get embarrassed when we have big leaders and they do not know how to hold a spoon," Ruto joked to the delight of his allies. 

"We will take time tomorrow so that we can mentor everybody. We cannot take things for granted. To the seniors who are here, let’s mentor the newcomers. Don’t harass the young ones, show them how CDF works, and show them how committees work."

Ruto also challenged the MPs allied to Kenya Kwanza to not just attend House sittings but to actively participate in debate sessions and exercise their legislative roles.

He cited recent reports that indicated that some members of the 12th Parliament were inactive, thus absconding their legislative mandate.

"Parliament is not a place to sell potatoes. It's a place to talk about the affairs of the people to articulate issues that are important to your constituents," he said.

He also downplayed claims by Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga that the opposition was poised to take control of both Houses of Parliament with their majority members.

Ruto also announced that members of the opposition would not be appointed to his government, saying that he wants an opposition that will hold his administration accountable.

"I have heard our competitors trying to say they have numbers, if they cannot even raise a candidate for the Senate Speaker position what numbers do they have? There is no need to bring a contest where there is none.

"We are not going to appoint any member of the opposition into government because we want a vibrant opposition, we want an opposition that will keep the government in check. We want to run an accountable government; we have nothing to hide," he said.

Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza faction will be in Naivasha until Saturday, September 17 to deliberate on a strategy ahead of nominating members for key Parliamentary committees. 

The coalition which comprises the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Amani National Congress, Ford Kenya and Pamoja African Alliance- among others is keen on securing the leadership of crucial House committees as well as the leader of the majority.