Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has strongly rejected claims that Kenya’s Parliament operates under the control of the Executive. He said Parliament remains independent and makes decisions based on law, procedure, and collective debate, not orders from State House.
Speaking during an interview with a local television station on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Olekina said accusations of executive control misunderstand how Parliament works. According to him, no individual, including the president, can single-handedly pass laws in either House.
His remarks come amid growing public debate over the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.
Parliament Works Through Numbers, Not Orders
Senator Olekina stressed that Parliament functions through voting and debate, not directives from the Executive. He said every bill, motion, or amendment must secure support from a majority of elected members.
“One vote cannot pass any law in Parliament,” Olekina said. “Every decision requires numbers, discussion, and agreement.”
He explained that even the president does not vote in Parliament. Instead, lawmakers deliberate and vote based on their party positions, committee findings, and personal judgment.
According to Olekina, this process protects Parliament from being controlled by any single office.
Why the President Has Political Influence
While defending Parliament’s independence, Olekina acknowledged that the president carries significant political influence. However, he said this influence does not equal control.
He explained that the president’s influence comes from the voters who elected him. These voters also elected Members of Parliament who support the same manifesto.
“The president sits in State House because the majority of Kenyans voted for his ideas,” Olekina said. “That same thinking is reflected in Parliament.”
As a result, lawmakers from the ruling coalition often support policies aligned with the president’s agenda.
Role of Majority and Minority Parties
Olekina said Kenya’s parliamentary system naturally creates majority and minority sides. He explained that when a party or coalition wins the presidency, it often gains strong representation in Parliament.
Members of the majority party, he said, debate issues guided by the promises made during campaigns. These promises form the basis of government policy.
“That does not mean Parliament is controlled,” he said. “It means voters gave that agenda a mandate.”
The senator added that minority parties still play a key role in oversight, debate, and accountability.
Why State House Meets Lawmakers
Addressing criticism over meetings between the president and lawmakers, Olekina said such engagements are normal in democratic systems. He explained that leaders meet to build consensus before major decisions.
According to him, these meetings allow the ruling party to agree on a common position that reflects its manifesto.
“The president calls meetings so that the party speaks with one voice,” Olekina said. “That is coordination, not coercion.”
He insisted that lawmakers remain free to disagree or vote against proposals if they choose.
Senate and National Assembly Are Independent
Olekina urged the public to understand that Parliament consists of two separate Houses: the Senate and the National Assembly. He said each House operates independently and follows strict standing orders.
“The Senate and the National Assembly are guided by law,” he said. “They cannot be compromised by the Executive.”
He added that each House has its own leadership, committees, and procedures that protect its independence.
According to Olekina, these safeguards ensure that no arm of government overpowers another.
Different Roles of the Two Houses
The senator emphasised that the Senate and the National Assembly have different mandates. He said confusion often arises when the public treats the two Houses as one.
The Senate, he explained, represents counties and focuses on devolution, oversight of county governments, and revenue sharing.
The National Assembly, on the other hand, handles national legislation, budgeting, and oversight of national government departments.
Because of these differences, Olekina said interactions with the Executive vary between the two Houses.
Oversight Role of Parliament Remains Intact
Olekina rejected claims that parliamentary oversight has weakened. He said committees in both Houses continue to summon officials, review budgets, and question government actions.
He pointed out that Parliament regularly debates reports from the Auditor-General, controllers, and watchdog agencies.
“These processes show Parliament is alive and working,” he said.
According to the senator, disagreement in Parliament proves independence, not control.
Public Misunderstanding Fuels Claims of Control
Olekina argued that many claims of executive control stem from misunderstanding how politics works. He said political alignment should not be confused with constitutional interference.
“When parties agree, people say Parliament is compromised,” he said. “But agreement does not mean lack of independence.”
He urged Kenyans to judge Parliament by its actions, not political narratives.
Importance of Respecting Institutions
The senator called for respect for all arms of government. He warned that constant attacks on Parliament risk weakening public trust in democratic institutions.
Olekina said criticism should focus on policy outcomes rather than accusing institutions of capture without evidence.
“Democracy works when institutions are respected,” he said.
He added that healthy debate strengthens governance rather than undermining it.
Checks and Balances Still Apply
Olekina reminded the public that Kenya’s Constitution clearly separates powers among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. He said these checks and balances remain intact.
He noted that courts regularly overturn executive decisions and that Parliament has rejected or amended government proposals in the past.
“These are signs of independence,” he said.
According to him, no arm of government operates without limits.
Political Influence Versus Legal Control
The senator urged Kenyans to distinguish between political influence and legal control. He said influence comes from electoral support, while control would require unlawful interference.
“So far, no evidence shows that Parliament is under illegal control,” he said.
He added that lawmakers remain accountable to voters, not State House.
Call for Informed Public Debate
Olekina concluded by urging the public to engage in informed debate about governance. He said democracy benefits when citizens understand how institutions work.
He encouraged Kenyans to follow parliamentary proceedings and committee work instead of relying on political rhetoric.
“Parliament belongs to the people,” he said. “It works for them, not for the Executive.”
Looking Ahead
As political debate continues ahead of the 2027 elections, claims about executive influence are likely to persist. Olekina said such discussions should remain grounded in facts and constitutional principles.
He insisted that Parliament remains independent, functional, and guided by the law.
According to him, strong institutions, not political accusations, will define Kenya’s democratic future.