Fatuma Gedi survives censure bid as MPs reject Powers and Privileges Committee report

NAIROBI—The MPs on Thursday rejected a report by the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Committee which accused Fatuma Gedi of using her power and influence as an MP to obtain and leak DCI summons to the media. 

The committee chaired by the Speaker recommended Gedi’s censure, saying her actions put the National Assembly in bad light. 

“The evidence submitted to the Committee discloses that the Hon. Fatuma Gedi directly used information obtained through or in connection with her office as a Member of Parliament and which was not available in the public domain for the furtherance of a private interest,” the Committee report said.

The leak in question is a letter from the director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti to the Clerk of the National Assembly Michael Sialai requesting four MPs alleged to be behind the leaking of a sex tape to appear for grilling.

The Powers and Privileges Act states that where the relevant Parliamentary Committee finds that a member has committed a breach of privilege, the relevant House of Parliament may impose penalties, such as vacation of a seat pursuant to Articles 75(2)(b) and 103(1)(c) of the Constitution.

The committee can also impose other penalties, including: “A formal warning, reprimand, apologising to the House or a person in a manner to be recommended by the committee, withholding, for a specific period of time, of the member’s rights, removal for a specified period of time of the member from any parliamentary position, fine in terms of the member’s monthly salary and allowances as well as suspension.”

On Thursday afternoon, the report by the committee was tabled at the floor of the House for debate. Members belonging to the “Tanga Tanga” wing sought for her censure. However, the MPs rejected the report.

ARREST THE FOUR

After surviving the ordeal, Fatuma now want  four MPs behind the circulation of the fake video charged. The MPs are Eldas MP Adan Keynan, Abdikarim Osman (Fafi), Purity Ngirici (Kirinyaga Woman Rep) and her Isiolo colleague Fatuma Jaldesa.

Fatuma Gedi also said Majority Leader of the National Assembly, Aden Duale is behind her woes. 

“Duale has been frustrating my efforts to get justice. He wants me reprimanded for defending myself…that is not leadership,” Ms. Gedi told Citizen Digital on phone.