House changes schedule to discuss draft law
Kenya's Parliament altered its schedule early on Wednesday to debate the proposed new Constitution with just four days remaining for the MPs to close the debate.
Joint coalition whip Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem, ODM) sought permission of the House to shelve discussion on Private Members’ Bill for MPs to contribute as the debate on the proposed law entered its second day.
“We are seeking to suspend debate on private motions and Bills so that we can discuss the proposed draft Constitution,” said Mr Midiwo. He was seconded by Tourism Minister and ODM pentagon member Najib Balala (Mvita).
The House also extended the time of its sittings to 8pm from the usual 6.30pm for Wednesday, Thursday (this week) and Tuesday next week.
With the extension, Mr Danson Mungatana (Garsen, ODM) asked the whips to marshal MPs to attend the House sittings until the rise of the House to prevent the habitual quorum hitches that have dogged the debating chambers.
Before Mr Midiwo moved the motion, Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim had shelved one question and skipped the issuance of ministerial statements to the House saying the Constitution ought to be given priority.
“The statements, unless they are very very urgent, will have to be handled after the conclusion of debate on the new Constitution,” said Mr Maalim.
House Speaker Kenneth Marende had on Tuesday afternoon given the rules of engagement to the House and asked members to stick to general debate with amendments scheduled to be presented on Thursday.
The debate continues.
