MONROVIA – In an unexpected turn of events at the Capitol Building today, several lawmakers arrived on tricycles, commonly known as “kekeh,” as a form of protest. Representatives Yekeh Kolubah, Jacob Debee, Sumo Mulbah, and Zinnah Norman chose this unconventional mode of transport to draw attention to their grievances. The protesting lawmakers claim that the House of Representatives has yet to receive their benefits from the Executive, specifically through the Ministry of Finance. They expressed frustration over the delay and vowed to continue using tricycles to commute to work until their benefits were disbursed.
Representative Kolubah explained, “We are tired of waiting for our benefits. This is a symbolic gesture to show our dissatisfaction and to pressure the Executive to act.” The sight of lawmakers arriving in tricycles, instead of their official vehicles, sparked considerable interest and discussion among onlookers and the media. It highlights the ongoing tension between the legislative and executive branches over financial disbursements.
Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, Mr. Mo Ali, Managing Director of Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) and a government member, posted a message on social media that many interpreted as mockery. Mr. Ali wrote, “Let’s congratulate our representatives who have now joined the masses in using tricycles (kehkehs) to work instead of buying expensive cars. I’ve heard that the lawmakers want to commit most of the money for cars to development projects. Let’s pray that the lawmakers will continue this austerity measure so that money saved can be diverted to critical service delivery sectors. Kudos to our representatives!!”
This post drew criticism from various quarters, including Togar Alexander Bealded, a critic of the Unity Party-led government. Bealded countered, “Mo Ali is right to make mockery out of lawmakers. These Ministers get their cars, salaries, and other benefits in similar tones like lawmakers but they don’t even give one bulb to their neighbors. Check the doors of a lawmaker earning little over $5K monthly and see the amount of people and requests. See their undertakings: construction of schools, bridges, and hospitals, etc. The Boakai administration thinks it can bully lawmakers by not giving their just benefits though members of the Senate are getting theirs fully, this is preposterous! Compare living by the home of a Minister and by the home of a lawmaker and see who has gotten the most visits and you will tell which of these groups support the economy in little ways! All in all, I blame the lawmakers, today they’re inviting the Finance Minister and they will again play politics and allow him to walk free. Step up your games, guys, and stop being toothless!!”
The protest emphasizes the wider issues of transparency and timely payment within the government, reflecting the lawmakers’ determination to hold the Executive accountable. The public and other government officials are closely watching to see how this situation will unfold. The tension between different branches of government and the mixed reactions from the public and officials suggest that this issue will continue to be a significant point of contention.
