A section of senators have defended themselves against claims that they boycotted the budget speech reading on Thursday.
Led by Senators Mutula Kilonzo Junior (Makueni) and Dr Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), the legislators said it is not right for them to seat in the public or speaker’s gallery when the budget is being read.
They said Parliament’s rules of procedure need to be changed to allow for a joint sitting whenever the budget is being presented.
They are calling for a similar sitting just as it happens when the President is delivering the State of the Nation address.
“We need to re-look the legal provisions and the standing orders to provide for a joint sitting. Budget making involves both Houses of Parliament and senators should not sit in the public gallery,” said Mr Kilonzo Jr.
He said senators will have relegated their roles in the budget making process if they accept to monitor a process they have participated in from the public gallery.