Now MPs target Muthaura over boundaries row

The push and pull in Parliament over the distribution of the 80 new constituencies has roped in the Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura, who’s now targeted for censure in the House.

At a news conference in Parliament Buildings, 30 MPs said the House will now train its eyes on Mr Muthaura for interfering with the gazettement of the new constituencies as required by the law.

“It is irrelevant for anyone to refuse to gazette this issue. Even Parliament has no powers to stop it, but we have powers to ensure no on interferes with it,” said Mr Gideon Konchella.

Led by Mr Olago Aluoch (Kisumu Town West, ODM), Aden Duale (Dujis, ODM), Isaac Ruto (Chepalungu, ODM), Alfred Sambu ( Webuye, ODM) Aden Keynan (Wajir West, Kanu) and Mr Konchella, the MPs said the controversy over the report on the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission was crucial to the stability of the country.

The MPs said if the independence of the IIBRC is not guaranteed, then “this could just be the end of the coalition government.”

“Representation is core to stability of this country. It is not a political issue. Equity is key when it comes to representation, if this is not resolved, we definitely do not see how we’re going to move forward,” said Ms Shebesh.

Mr Olago also dismissed the stop orders issued by the court saying it was unconstitutional.

“Such an order is illegal and unconstitutional. Provisions require that the report be gazetted first and anyone with a problem should go to court. That (order) is premature and should not have happened. The court has purported to insurbodinate the Constitution,” said Mr Olago.

Mr Ruto said that the IIBRC was one of the commissions that are at the root of the National Accord and thus, their independence ought to be guaranteed.

“We do not understand why at this stage the government wants to stop the publication of the IIBRC report,” said Mr Ruto.

“The formula that has been used (by the commission to delimit boundaries) is in the constitution, we passed that Constitution. We as Parliament will put our foot down. We’ll not allow OP to frustrate us again.”

“Kenyans should know that’s its Parliament that set up the commission. Tonight Kenyans have to know who got a constituency and who did not,” said Mr Duale.

“These matters will be so tough, and we can make this Parliament not to do anything, especially government matters, until they gazette these new boundaries and constituencies.

He added that Kenyans will “protect their seats because they got it by right in this Constitution”.

“This is a plot to deny some people their right. As leaders we’ll not watch as our people are robbed of their rights. The next battle will be in Parliament,” said Mr Duale. Lands Minister James Orengo also attended the news conference.

The MPs are now waiting for a statement from the Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo Wednesday afternoon to address the controversy. House Speaker Kenneth Marende ruled that the minister issues it due to the urgency of the matter.

Mr Aluoch wants the minister to talk about the independence of the commission that was formed under the former constitution, its tenure, and the sections of the Constitution that guided the creation of the new electoral units.

He also wants the Mr Kilonzo to state how the commission will proceed under provisions of the new Constitution.

“We need to ventilate matters surrounding this issue on the floor of the House to address them fully and with finality,” Mr Aluoch said.

Mr Marende said the statement must be issued Wednesday due to the urgency of the matter.

We want to make it very clear that the time has come for Kenyans to be given a chance to deal with the Ligale report