A governance lawyer has raised concerns over the conduct of Members of Parliament during President William Ruto’s State of the Nation address, arguing that their chants signalled a widening gap between citizens’ needs and legislative focus.
The interruption came on Thursday during the joint sitting, forcing a brief pause in the proceedings.
In remarks posted on X, lawyer Willis Otieno criticised the lawmakers for engaging in what he termed political theatrics instead of using the session to address urgent national issues.
He referenced claims of medicine shortages in public hospitals, incidents of mothers being held over unpaid bills, and rising economic strain.
According to Otieno, such matters require parliamentary attention more than public chant displays.
The disruption occurred when a section of MPs erupted into “Tutam! Tutam!” chants, a phrase widely understood as support for the President’s re-election prospects.
While political chanting has appeared occasionally in parliamentary sessions over the years, Thursday’s outburst drew particular scrutiny because it interrupted a constitutionally mandated address.
The State of the Nation speech traditionally offers Parliament a chance to question government priorities and assess policy implementation.
Otieno argued that the House should uphold its oversight role as outlined in the 2010 Constitution, which strengthened checks on the Executive and elevated Parliament’s role in budget control and policy scrutiny.
He said MPs appeared more focused on political symbolism than on interrogating service-delivery gaps affecting communities across the country.
His statement framed the incident as a reflection of broader frustrations among citizens dealing with high taxes, unemployment, and rising living costs.
The lawyer’s criticism touched on a growing national debate over whether Parliament has shifted toward partisan alignment at the expense of accountability.
Thursday’s chants revived questions about whether lawmakers can remain independent while navigating party loyalties and electoral pressures.
There was no immediate response from parliamentary leadership regarding the conduct of MPs or whether any review of House discipline would follow.
The incident, however, has contributed to ongoing conversations about decorum, oversight, and the expectations placed on legislators during high-profile national events.
Otieno’s remarks added another layer to public discussion on the role of elected representatives, especially as Kenyans continue to raise concerns about health services, job opportunities, and economic stability.