Nairobi — After a brief spell of silence, the ever-warring coalition partners are back to their usual game.

This time round, it is a contest over the chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs.

Instead of handling the matter according to the Standing Orders of the House, the players have resorted to name-calling and political brinkmanship.

Kenyans did not expect the coalition partners to live in harmony, given the acrimony that preceded their marriage. But the citizens expect them to play by the rules.

In particular, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee is critical in vetting the numerous Bills that are due for discussion and ratification in the House.

It is expected to provide a stable link between Parliament and the drafters of the laws envisaged by the new Constitution.

That cannot happen when it is crippled by perennial push-and-pull games.

House Speaker Kenneth Marende needs to give direction, not just on this committee, but others that are not living up to their billing.

The committees must work independently if parliamentary democracy is to take root in this country.