Social media a threat to MPs’ work, warns Speaker Wetang’ula
NEW DELHI, India
Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has warned that social media, while powerful, can harm parliamentarians if misused.
Speaking at the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi, India, Mr Wetang’ula said MPs face constant scrutiny online, often unfiltered and misleading.
“Social media is a double-edged sword for parliamentarians. It allows direct engagement, transparency, and accountability, but it also spreads misunderstandings and provocation,” said Mr Wetang’ula.
He noted that harassment or misinformation online affects MPs’ focus and the ability of Parliament to deliberate freely.
“Once false information takes hold, correcting it is harder than staying silent,” he added.
He cautioned that harassment or misinformation online can undermine legislative focus and the capacity of Parliament to deliberate freely.
The Speaker’s remarks reflect a trend of online abuse against Kenyan lawmakers.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has been caught up in online harassment and controversial exchanges after social media posts.
They include a widely shared interaction over clips showing the harassment of schoolgirls--an episode that sparked intense online debate and personal attacks against her.
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi described being inundated with cruel online commentary following the tragic death of her son in a road accident in March 2025.
She said the social media response about her family was one of her “worst experiences”.
Experts say such gender‑based and emotionally charged trolling can discourage elected officials from engaging openly online.
They make it harder for them to focus on public duties without distraction or intimidation.
Speaker Wetang’ula urged Presiding Officers and legislators to engage responsibly in digital spaces.
“Not every provocation requires a response. Not every trend requires participation,” he advised.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Speaker held talks with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on strengthening parliamentary cooperation.
They also discussed India’s commitment to the Commonwealth Sustainable Development Goals, including health, economic growth, and innovation.
