BONYO'S BONE: Preaching degrees, drinking...

This week, the Honourable Member burst onto social media with what he trumpeted as a brilliant legislative idea, perhaps his first real legislative spark since taking his oath three years ago. His grand plan is to introduce a law regulating social media influencers.

Yes, while hospitals struggle, youth remain jobless, farmers cry out, and corruption blooms, Mr. Jhanda’s burning national priority is TikTokers and content creators.

The Honourable Jhanda says he wants to borrow from China, where influencers must prove their credentials before discussing serious matters like finance, health, or law. On its face, China’s rule attempts to curb misinformation. And sure, that intention has merit in its context.

Borrowing the Wrong Backbone

But, Zaheer, is this truly the best thing you could borrow from China? From a global superpower with unmatched economic discipline, industrial productivity, and ruthless efficiency in punishing corruption, you chose... influencer policing?

China has laws that jail officials for stealing public funds. Laws that seize properties bought with corruption money. Laws that send economic saboteurs straight to prison, no press conferences, no committee drama.

Meanwhile, in Kenya, an MP wants to police ring lights and hashtags before policing looters and thieves.

If we are borrowing from China, let’s borrow the courage to fight economic crimes, not to gag the gig economy where thousands of Kenyan youths have found opportunity because government jobs and leadership have failed them.

A Question of Credentials

And if credentials are the bar, let’s ask the obvious: Are you willing to introduce the same degree requirement for your colleagues in Parliament to improve legislative quality?

Or does seriousness only apply to influencers, the self-made, and not to lawmakers who routinely mislead the public from the floor of the House?

Let’s be honest: influencers are not the biggest problem facing your Nyaribari Chache constituents. Bad roads, hospitals that are only bricks and mortar, unsustainable agriculture, youth unemployment, and basic services are the issues they are grappling with.

Legislation is not a vanity exercise, nor is it theatre. It must not be a distraction for social miscalculations. It must serve the nation, not silence its most creative young voices or punish those who found ways to thrive outside state patronage.

Honourable Jhanda, step back from social media policing and step into serious legislative work. Meet your constituents and understand their issues. Debate bills in Parliament and hold the executive to account.

If you must borrow from China, borrow their anti-corruption backbone. That is what Kenya needs. We don't need influencer licenses; rather, we need leadership from those in elective positions, right priorities, and seriousness.

That is my bone tonight.