Senator Beatrice Mukabaranga resigned from the Upper Chamber of Parliament days after her immunity was lifted to pave way for investigations over allegedly issuing bouncing cheques. Over the past couple of months many leaders, especially local government officials, have stepped down because of varying reasons: mainly corruption though. I have almost gotten used to these high profile resignations. However, this latest resignation hit me hard. I also believe that no one would have predicted that anybody would set such a precedent over such an ordinary issue. What if investigations show that actually she was not in the wrong? Some of my friends have described Ms Mukabaranga’s decision as political suicide. Senate President Dr. Vincent Biruta did not elaborate more about Mukabaranga‘s resignation, apart from acknowledging that he had received the resignation letter. The public might never know the actual cause of Mukabaranga‘s resignation since she has not spoken about it. However, unless there is something bigger that has not been revealed which inspired her action; one is left wondering whether morality has sunk so deep among Rwandans to the extent of quitting a Senate seat, craved by many, because of something as ‘little’ as a bouncing cheque. Ms Mukabaranga should have known that there is a big link between falsehoods and politics before taking her action. Her case borders on peddling falsehoods i.e. pretending to have money in her account. And the whole point of politics is to lie, lie, and lie some more. Many politicians do it in fact regularly. It is what drives them forward. Madam, you are being very moral in your assessment. I totally express my disappointment in your action. There was every reason you to remain in the Senate. After all this is a time of financial meltdown. Anybody should be in position to understand in case your bank balances are not enough to clear your debts. The public should understand that politicians have more financial constraints than an ordinary man can believe. Campaigns play a big role in their financial woes. More especially the amounts of money these politicians used to get into office; some even sell off their personal property. Apart from that, many new politicians or government officials soon adopt new lives. They start families, take mortgages and acquire expensive tastes whose financing costs are well beyond their earnings. In this case what would do you expect of the honourable MP or Senator? Mukabaranga’s action might trigger some critical thinking amongst MPs and other government officials about their own fate. While I don’t have any specifics, I know that there are some heads of institutions that have been accused of serious anomalies but haven’t stepped down. Parliament, which is laden with women who are eager to shape the politics of this country, should have fought hard to dissuade their colleague from resigning- until she is found guilty. Well, if it is her conscious which inspired her to step down that is understandable, but I know that it is an ordinary thing for a politician to be broke. And before I get crucified, this article was written tongue in cheek. jtasamba@gmail.com
