Ogolla Urges Caution on MP Recalls
As parliamentarians debate to recall MPs, experts like Ogolla highlight that there has to be clear legislation and non-political observation of the process.
Ogolla also condemned political use of words against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Photo / Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Lawyer Steve Ogolla has cautioned Kenyans against using the MP recall process for emotional or trivial ends.
Popular demand to have poorly performing Members of Parliament recalled has been increasingly on the rise. The process, however, must stick to tough legal procedures, according to Ogolla.
During a TV interview on Monday, August 4, 2025, Ogolla reminded citizens that the Constitution permits the recall of MPs but with a caveat.
“You can’t recall an MP for failure to attend harambees or funerals,” he said. “Procedures are in place to protect MPs from recalls in temper or popularity votes.”
Ogolla reiterated that absence from social gatherings does not establish the legal ground for recalling a legislator. He warned that abusing the clause would turn it into a political tool.
Kenya does not have a law governing MP recalls yet. Without this, any bid to recall MPs can collapse in court.
Ogolla also condemned political use of words against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He criticized utterances by Hon. William Kamket, which he said had the risk of undermining public trust in elections.
“Such utterances undermine the IEBC’s integrity,” Ogolla said. “The commission works to remain independent and ought to be shielded from political intimidation.”
He went further to state that technology only helps, but does not dictate, Kenyan elections. “We use technology in three stages — voter registration, verification of voters, and the transmission of results,” Ogolla explained. “Its role is accountability, not manipulation.”
Ogolla’s opinion is forthright: Recalls should never be used to punish MPs for avoiding public gatherings. Any recall bill must focus on serious misconduct and have a solid legal foundation.
He also urged politicians to leave the IEBC alone. Protecting electoral bodies, he claimed, is key to keeping Kenya democratic.
As parliamentarians debate to recall MPs, experts like Ogolla highlight that there has to be clear legislation and non-political observation of the process.
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