ANOTHER DOSE OF PAIN AWAITING DP WILLIAM RUTO

The showdown pitting ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta on one hand and DP William Ruto on the other over the contentious parties bill is headed to the Senate.

This follows the conclusion of the debate and approval of the bill at the National Assembly in a Wednesday sitting that went late into the night.

The Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021, seeks to anchor in law, coalitions as political parties with proponents saying it is aimed at instilling party discipline.

Senators, reports show, are set to be recalled for a special sitting next week to debate and approve the bill for concurrence with the National Assembly.

It is anticipated that the hard stances witnessed in the August House during the special sittings of December 29 and on Wednesday may play out in the Senate as well.

Members of the National Assembly were involved in numerous altercations as the rivalling sides jostled for numbers to defeat or approve the legislation.

The bill, National Assembly Michael Sialai said, would require the input of the Senate because it affects the election of county assembly members (MCAs).

If they approve the bill as passed by the National Assembly, it would be sent to the President for assent and subsequent implementation.

Should Senators amend the legislation, it will have to be taken back to the National Assembly for consideration.

In the event Senators introduce drastic amendments to the bill, it will be subject to mediation in a committee comprising members of the Senate and National Assembly.

Courtesy The Star