The National Assembly has resolved to alter its calendar to hold Sittings on Friday, 18th October 2024, ahead of the planned short recess next week.
In a notice on Wednesday, the National Assembly said that the Sittings, commencing at 9.30 a.m. for the morning session and 2.30 p.m. for the afternoon session, will be held to consider priority business, including mediated Bills.
The motion to hold the Sittings was moved by Majority whip Sylvanus Osoro and seconded by Navakholo Member of Parliament (MP) Emmanuel Wangwe.
“THAT, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Orders 28(4) (Calendar of the House) and 30(3) (c) (Hours of Meeting), this House resolves to commence the short recess on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024 and hold Sittings on Friday, 18th October 2024, commencing at 9.30 a.m. for the morning sitting and 2.30 p.m. for the afternoon sitting, for purposes of considering priority business, including mediated Bills,” read part of the notice.
According to the National Assembly, the rationale for this Sitting is for the House to consider priority business including Bills in mediation specifically, the Sugar Bill (2022), Water Bill (2023), and Divisions of Revenue (Amendment) Bill (2024).
National Assembly Alters Calendar
The National Rating Bill (2023) and a number of Private Members Bills which are at risk of lapsing will also be considered.
Also Read: Wetangula Sends 4 MPs to Senate to Face Off with Gachagua
MPs are set to proceed on a short recess commencing October 22, a day after the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Notably, the National Assembly’s Friday Sitting will come a day after the conclusion of the impeachment trial of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
It also comes at a time there have been speculations that should the Senate uphold DP Gachagua‘s impeachment, the House is set to receive the name the new DP nominee for consideration as soon as Friday.
The Senate’s trial is expected to last two days starting from Wednesday, with a possible extension if more time is needed to review the evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
The Senate requires a two-thirds majority vote of 45 senators for the impeachment to be upheld.
If successful, it would mark the first time a sitting Deputy President in Kenya is removed through an impeachment process.
Also Read: From Start to Voting: How Senate Will Conduct Gachagua’s Trial
Gachagua is appearing before Senate after suffering yet another setback earlier on Wednesday when a three three-judge bench declined to stop the Senate impeachment trial.
3-Judge bench delivers ruling on Gachagua impeachment
Justices Eric Ogolla, Anthony Mrima and Freda Mugambi ruled that at this stage, they can only exercise restraint and allow independent institutions of government to function unhindered.
They cited separation of powers saying courts should be reluctant to take over mandates of other arms of government.
“This is not a case where intervention is automatic. The doctrine of separation of powers will be best served at declining the application at this stage,” they said.
The bench ruled that the application by DP Gachagua is premature as they are being called to anticipate on an outcome that’s yet to be concluded.
Further, they agreed that the petitions before court raise weighty constitutional issues that require further interrogation but the process before the Senate is lawful and should be allowed to proceed.
And in the event the Senate impeaches the DP, and he ceases holding office, the three-judge bench said whoever will assume that office must do so legally.
In closing the three judges said the issues raised by the DP were similar to those he had raised before Justice Chacha Mwita who also declined to issue an order stopping the trial.
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