Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula has deferred the naming of the lower House’s Majority and Minority leaders.
During the first sitting on Tuesday afternoon, Wetangula addressed the members and requested them to debate the issue before he made the final decision.
He stated that more time was required before a judgment could be made regarding who, between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza, would fulfill the distinct tasks.
Regarding the first query, Wetangula stated on Tuesday, “I will reserve the remainder of today’s sitting to allow the House to address me on this matter so that I can withdraw to make a reasoned ruling and provide guidance to the House.”
According to the Speaker, he had received various nomination lists from both political factions, and Standing Orders 19A(1) (4) and 20(A) (5) required extensive deliberation on the matter, prompting Wetangula to designate Boss Shollei as his deputy to handle the situation.
“I would like to allow the House time to discuss this issue. This chamber is not a political rally.Who is the majority and who is the minority must be based on our standing orders, the law, the constitution, and the facts,” Wetangula said.
“I will exercise my authority under Standing Order No. 1 and authorize the Deputy Speaker to lay certain documents before the House that are subject to a legislative deadline and must be laid before the House meets for the first time,” he said.
Azimio has nominated Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi against Kenya Kwanza’s Kimani Ichung’wa for the Majority seat, prolonging the standoff over who will assume the leadership of the House.
President Ruto’s coalition has also chosen Sylvanus Osoro of South Mugirango as Chief Whip, while Raila Odinga’s Azimio has selected Junet Mohammed of Suna East.
by: Deguevara