House takes a break with calls for unity

MPs voted for a month’s break with calls to preach unity and reconciliation during the recess.

Those who spoke during the Motion of Adjournment appealed to leaders to focus their energies on ensuring that the new Constitution works and that Kenyans heal the differences created by referendum campaigns.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, who is also Leader of Government Business, asked MPs to unite Kenyans when he moved the motion for a three-week break.

However, Mr John Mbadi (Gwassi ODM) moved an amendment to it to provide that the House takes a break up to September 28.

Use break properly

Backbenchers asked the Executive to put its act together both inside and outside Parliament.

“We hope the government will use the break properly and ensure their differences do not spill into the House again,’’ said Mr Charles Kilonzo (Yatta, ODM-K).

Information minister Samuel Poghisio praised Kenyans for conducting a peaceful referendum.

MPs Ekwe Ethuro (Turkana Central, PNU) and Mohammed Affey (nominated) criticised the census results released on Tuesday and demanded that a recount be done in the whole country rather than some selected areas.

Ms Martha Karua (Gichugu, PNU) asked the government to use the break to resettle IDPs.

At the same time, members criticised ministers and their assistants for failing to show up to answer questions.

The Speaker directed Mr Musyoka to rally the front bench in the next session to improve attendance.