Actor-turned-politician John Dumelo has offered a candid glimpse into the realities of serving constituents, revealing the everyday challenges MPs face beyond Parliament.
In a social media post, Dumelo said he would invite people to his office one evening to witness the long queue of constituents seeking assistance.
According to him, voters do not only expect their elected representatives to make laws and participate in parliamentary debates. Many also approach them with pressing personal and family needs.
Dumelo humorously mentioned requests ranging from hospital bills and school fees to financial support for child-naming ceremonies and even money for an evening meal of kenkey.
“The voters will tell you they didn’t vote for you to just go and make laws and shout yeah yeah,” he wrote.
Despite the demanding nature of the job, Dumelo said he would not describe it as stress because helping constituents is part of what he signed up for.
His comments have highlighted the often-unseen expectations placed on politicians, particularly at the constituency level, where elected representatives can become the first point of contact for people facing financial and social difficulties.