House fails to agree on crucial law team list

Parliament has adjourned debate on membership to the crucial oversight committee charged with implementation of the new Constitution.

The House agreed to defer debate to Tuesday to allow "wider consultations" among political parties after a heated debate over alleged unilateral decision made by leaders in the appointments.

The split in the PNU coalition was evident in the House as a majority of its members criticised its leadership over the composition of the committee immediately after Leader of Government Business Kalonzo Musyoka moved a motion for the adoption of the names.

Nakuru Town MP Lee Kinyanjui fired the first salvo saying members were not consulted as required by the standing orders.

Mr Kinyanjui was supported by Laikipia West MP Ndiritu Muriithi, Bifwoli Wakoli (Bumula), Kimilili MP Eseli Simiyu and ministers John Munyes and Moses Wetangula

The PNU MPs complained that the list of committee members was not representative and that some regions were favoured.

Accusing the party leadership of dictatorship, they said the failure by the PNU leadership could interfere with the implementation of new Constitution.

"The list does not portray gender, ethnic and geographical balance. The first five are from Eastern. Does Eastern portray the image of Kenya?" Mr Muriithi asked.

M Kinyanjui took issue with PNU's move to include two Cabinet ministers in the list.

"We can't just do things in a hurry because we want to meet deadline," Mr Kinyanjui said.

Mr Musyoka, Trade minister Chirau Mwakwere and Njeru Githae (Nairobi Metropolitan Development) had a difficult time defending the list saying enough consultations were held.

Only Livestock assistant minister Adan Duale opposed the adoption of the list insisting that ODM too did not hold consultations.

Co-Government chief whip Jakoyo Midiwo, MPs Millie Odhiambo (nominated) and Bahari MP Benedict Gunda defended the list saying not all the 222 MPs could be included.

They further said ODM held necessary consultations and accused Mr Duale of being insincere by stating that none were held.

The committee is crucial for the implementation of the new Constitution.

Mr Midiwo said it should have been created 60 days ago after the promulgation of new constitution on August 27.

"Only 30 days remain now," Mr Midiwo said.

(PNU) and ODM submitted 13 and 14 names respectively to the House Business Committee, which met for two hours Wednesday evening.

The 27 names, with only two Cabinet ministers, Chirau Ali Mwakwere (PNU, Trade) and Beth Mugo (PNU, Public Health) was set for adoption before the turn of events.

Other members who had been proposed include: Abdikadir Mohammed, Wifred Ombui, David Ngugi, Amina Abdallah, Ekwee Ethuro, Martha Karua, Kilemi Mwiria, Philip Kioko, Charles Kilonzo, Cecily Mbarire and Wavinya Ndeti representing PNU wing of government.

ODM had settled for Ababu Namwamba, Danson Mwazo, Maalim Mohamed, Joyce Laboso, Joseph Nkaissery, Charles Onyancha, Alfred Khangati, John Mbadi, Elizabeth Ongoro, Julius Murgor, Lucas Chepkitony, Benedict Gunda, Rachel Shebesh and Mille Odhiambo.