Debate on the controversial Political Parties Amendment Bill suspended indefinitely

Handshake-leaning Members of Parliament have accused National Assembly Deputy Speaker Moses Cheboi of being partisan in his ruling suspending the debate on the controversial Political Parties Amendment Bill.

The debate went through the second reading in an acrimonious session as members shouted and raised constant points of orders.

However, it was a show of might for the handshake partners as they trounced their opponents 115 against 68 in passing the bill in second reading.

Minority Leader John Mbadi said the twin losses by DP Ruto’s camp settles the question on which side has controlling numbers in the bi-cameral House.

“We have been told about 150 members supporting a particular cause, you can see when we come to floor of this House the members are hardly 20 and that is why they are making noise,” the Suba South MP said.

He announced that they will discuss as House leaders to call a special sitting to conclude the bill before the end of the year.

“My colleagues on the other side who have been boasting of numbers in the streets, today we want to see where are those numbers,” said Mbadi.

Minority Whip Junet Mohamed was also bullish despite the deputy speaker suspending the debate saying they will pass the bill once it comes up for the third reading.

Junet admitted that the bill has the blessing of both President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“If you have numbers don’t shout outside there, bring your numbers here on the floor of the House. We are going to win this hands down,” Junet said.

Earlier, the TangaTanga troops’ push to stop the debate on the bill was defeated after Deputy Speaker Moses Cheboi ruled against them.

Led by Tharaka MP George Murugara, the lawmakers put up a spirited effort to block debate on the proposal on coalitions building in a morning of drama.

Murugara rising on a point of order asked Cheboi to halt debate questioning the constitutionality of the legislative piece.

The debate degenerated into a shouting match pitting pro-Handshake and TangaTanga legislators, spilling to the lounge after the House adjourned.

In a presser, Ruto’s team claimed malice in the amendments to the parties’ law to benefit Raila’s 2022 bid.

Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei said, “All they wanted to do was to amend the law so that Azimio can be a political party. They want to give OKA time to negotiate with Raila Odinga. If you listen to any of the ODM leaders, they were clear they wanted to anchor Azimio on the law.”

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro claimed the bill had nothing to do with the welfare of Kenyans, and it was only meant to help 5 political figures.

The bill now goes back to the Justice and Legal Affairs committee to consider amendments proposed by various members before it is brought back to the House for debate.