News
Surprises in maiden speech keep MPs from dozing
Posted Thursday, June 11 2009 at 22:30
The area around Parliament was serene and quiet with roads closed both to motorists and pedestrians. There were numerous security checks for people wishing to access Parliament grounds.
Police on horseback patrolled the empty streets while their counterparts with sniffer dogs kept vigil at strategic corners. The only motorists allowed through were MPs and ministers in their lavish vehicles. The usual crowd that normally hangs around Parliament was absent, obviously deterred by the heavy security presence.
At Parliament buildings, staff were busy sprucing up in readiness for the garden party after the budget. A red carpet had been laid from the chambers to President tent.
President Kibaki arrived shortly after 2.30 pm and was received by the PM and Vice President. Members of the public and diplomats were seated by 2 pm as parliamentary staff tested the public address system.
MPs started streaming in to the chambers immediately after 2pm in readiness for the presentation of this years budget, and by 2.30pm all the benches were full.
However, the man of the moment was clearly Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta who strode into the House at 2.45pm to present his first Budget since his appointment to head Treasury to foot thumping from both sides of the house.
Budget briefcase
Dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and maroon tie, Mr Kenyatta was escorted into the chamber by his Planing counterpart Wycliffe Oparanya and Finance assistant minister Oburu Odinga.
Placing the Budget briefcase at the dispatch box, he sat briefly before walking out with ODM chief whip Jakoyo Midiwo and returned a few minutes later accompanied by Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Shortly afterwards, President Kibaki entered the chambers escorted by the clerk of the National Assembly Mr Patrick Gichohi.
Unlike in previous budgets, MPs appeared to follow the speech more attentively with only a few nodding off to sleep as often is the case during such occasions.
At 4.45 pm the Finance minister finished reading his speech. After the garden party, wananchi (citizens) were able to interact with MPs and ministers. The press was however kept well clear off the area.
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Submitted by mukirijohnPosted June 13, 2009 04:45 PM
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Submitted by Cyclope
YOU ELECTED THESE MP'S TO PARLIAMENT. SO STOP WHINING AND COMPLAINING WHEN THEY ALL ASLEEP AMIDST A SERIOUS NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE.
Posted June 13, 2009 06:36 AM -
Submitted by peterstags
Thanks a lot nation this is 2 minutes of my life you wasted which i will never recover!!!
Posted June 12, 2009 03:06 PM -
Submitted by wangukabugi
Mark Evans...you've made my day. As usual, here's an article that has made me deflate quickly and migrate away from kenyan dailies...
Posted June 12, 2009 10:53 AM -
Submitted by Ibui
Is there enough Oxygen in the Chambers? Why are MPs always doozing in there. Something needs to be done. Surely all that pay cannot go into doozing MPs.
Posted June 12, 2009 08:12 AM




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waste of time and material. what is the point of this article?