MPs trade name-calling and engage in drama as Speaker intervene to settle the haggle

Members of the National Assembly engaged in fist-fights and name-calling after haggle over adjournment time. Photo/ COURTESY

NAIROBI—Members of the National Assembly resorted to fist-fights and insults on Tuesday in a special session after they disagreed on the timing of adjournment.

A section of the legislators demanded for an end to the session, arguing that they want to break for holiday because they were recalled to pass a budget policy statement and change election laws.

Jubilee MPs wanted House adjourned earlier but CORD brigade led by the Minority Leader and Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo demanded for a continuation of the session.

“Some members wanted the session to end at 6:30 pm so that they could break for holiday,” Aggrey Mutambo, a parliamentary reporter for the Nation, said.

Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi was forced to settle the haggle when he extended sessions in the morning and afternoon after legislators engaged in non-core functions of the day.

He said there is no clear discretion given to the speaker, but would chip in for the convenience of the House.

Muturi invoked provisions of the standing order 30 regarding the hours of sitting.

“But in that standing order, there is discretion given to the speaker. For the convenience of the House, the speaker may direct earlier or later interruption of the House.

“None of you has directed me on that particular aspect. There is need therefore to recover the lost time and I therefore direct that the House may continue to sit for a further 55 minutes after which the House shall stand adjourned. How you utilise that time is upon you,” he ruled.

After the half-an-hour stand-off was settled, the legislators endorsed a proposal to limit external borrowing by the Treasury to Sh500 billion but in a decision roiled with delaying tactics from opposition MPs as they bid to avoid debating proposed changes to electoral laws.

ODM chairman John Mbadi lauded the speaker for the timely intervention and thanked Kenyans for standing with the Opposition legislators.

“The Speaker has done the right thing. We thank Kenyans for standing with us,” he said.

“We have won and Baba (Raila) must win in the main elections,” chanted Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

Speaking to The Star, Raila Odinga said Jubilee has sensed defeat ahead of the General Elections and have now resorted to amending electoral laws.

“They have sensed defeat and gone into panic mode. That is why they are trying all manner of schemes that will allow them to play games with election results,” the Opposition leader said.

He added that, “They (Jubilee) know they can not play monkey games with the new system. That is why they want to change. We are telling them Kenyans will not accept any changes.”