There is no humour in politics

Why isn't there humour in Parliament? Where are the humourous and controversial MPs? The days of the likes of Kalembe Ndile, Simon Mbugua, Bifwoli Wakoli, Jayne Kihara.
Former MPs who were uncaged and unleashed whatever they had on their mind be it ridiculously laughable or condemnable. It was not just their words but their actions also ran in tandem in exhibiting humour. They pushed the envelope in exciting the public like Mike Sonko in his early days. We did not elect them to humour us into tear-jerking laughter but they are human beings, aren't they?

Is it that now they are too development conscious? Politics of development can thrive with comic relief. We can have funny MPs who still commission roads and initiate water projects. I find it strange that in public rallies and political fora, no MP or Senator has so far provided a moment for a decent hoo-ha, it doesn't have to be rib-cracking laughter. There aren't any funny press conferences any more and laughter at public rallies has been reduced as serious politics has taken over. Even former President Kibaki can do better to drive a crowd mad with laughter.

For ladies hoping for a tall, handsome,fit and funny MP for a date, you will be disappointed, he may be rich and use an eighth of the CDF kitty to buy you lunch at Safari Park,but that date will be like job interview only that it will include fish fillet. I find political leaders in this 11th Parliament are far too serious.

Away from Parliament,the Cabinet Secretaries themselves appear bookish and only hand out intellectual humour, which even won't scratch a funny bone. Sports CS Hassan Wario has his occasional moments of dry humour, Labour CS Kazungu Kambi's slippery grasp of the English language isn't just enough. Yes, I know Nairobi Mike Sonko easily comes to mind but his eccentrics are scandalous.

His soap opera antics with Women Rep. Racheal Shebesh and the attendant fallout are not only shameful but unfunny. They desecrate the values of leadership and integrity. There is absolutely no humour in Sonko's misadventures. But Kenyans loved their '+18' theatrics on Facebook and PG entertainment they offered when they scaled down.

Of course, debates surrounding terrorist activities and killings at the Coast need a sober approach and not all is to laugh at.

What is happening now is that members of the public are now bringing out the humour and moments of levity in the news. Men fighting over women, funny eye witnesses, women squabbling over men. As referendum politics dominate the national conversation, it needs an unserious touch, it is far too technical, tribal and tenacious. Political leaders should lighten up, they should humour us, let loose a bit, they have had plenty of time to sit in Parliament, it is time they display their funny side in word and deed.