National assembly Speaker Justin Muturi addressing the press on the sidelines of the national assembly induction of the chairperson’s panel in Mombasa. [Photo: Victor Wanaswa]
Speaker of the National assembly Justin Muturi has assured that political divisions along party lines will not hinder house business as the battle over changing electoral laws builds up.
Divisions in the house resurfaced when Kenya's ruling Jubilee legislators passed proposed changes to the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act, 2016 amid protests from opposition MPs.
Defending jubilees tyranny of numbers, Muturi said deliberations and decisions of the house are not invalid merely because of persons who are support to participate in house decisions chose to be absent.
Jubilee MPs passed the election laws amendment bill without the participation of their counterparts who had walked out of the special session of Parliament in protest but Muturi maintains such instances will not derail house proceedings provided there is enough representation as required by the law.
“If some choose not to be present but there are enough to form quorum business is conducted as it is clear in article 124 of the constitution. This is even as any party chooses not to participate as it is perfectly within their right,” said Muturi.
Muturi while addressing the media on the side-lines of the national assembly induction of the chairperson’s panel in Mombasa, he said he approved the amendments bill since it was in line with the constitution and had passed the right procedures.
“I approved them because they are in line with the constitution; the speaker has no vote in this. The requirement of the speaker is to facilitate members who make proposals to make laws to make good their intentions without being hindrance,” said Muturi.
He also urged members of parliament to conduct themselves with decorum during house business warning that members who demean the institution or assault fellow Member of Parliament will be subjected to fines and penalties as per the house standing orders.
He said the house has introduced new orders that if one damages the house property their salaries will be withheld and a hefty fine imposed unto them according to the law.
“There is so many misconduct which is not very good. Punishment will be accorded to any member who demeans the house. People are becoming more disrespectful. Members salary will be withheld as a disciplinary action. It’s discretionary but will be in line with rules of committee of powers and privileges,” he added.
Muturi said the house has chosen to wait until the presidential rerun to pave way for the formation of house committees owing to delays by parties have not resolved on membership.
“There were some general agreement that the house waits for the presidential rerun on 26, Oct and then that’s when the committees will be formed,” assured Muturi.