Senators gang up against Kuria's bid to kill House
Gatundu south MP Moses Kuria in a Nairobi court before a ruling of his application to bar journalists from covering his case. Senators have teamed up against Mr Kuria's campaign, 'Punguza Mzigo' to reduce the number of senators and MCAs. PHOTO | PAUL WAWERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
Mr Kuria has begun a referendum push under the banner, ‘Punguza Mzigo’, which aims at reducing the number MPs, senators and MCAs.
It is gaining popularity among social media users. His post has attracted more than 8,000 comments, most of them in support.
According to Mr Kuria, functions of the Senate could easily be performed by the National Assembly, though he has not explained how.
Gatundu South MPs’ campaign to have the Senate scrapped has been opposed by lawmakers.
Leaders on Tuesday said those pushing for the dissolution of the Senate were enemies of devolution, who wanted to take the country back to the old constitution.
Mr Kuria has begun a referendum push under the banner, ‘Punguza Mzigo’, which aims at reducing the number MPs, senators and MCAs.
It is gaining popularity among social media users. His post has attracted more than 8,000 comments, most of them in support.
The MP says Kenyans are overrepresented in both Houses and in the county assemblies.
Senators, however, said it was unfair to target the House without considering the critical role it plays.
KILLING DEVOLUTION
“If you get rid of the Senate, you must get rid of devolution. The push is appealing, but if you have to do away with it, then be ready to do away with the current system of governance,” Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr warned.
His Nyeri counterpart, Mr Mutahi Kagwe, said Kenya’s first Senate was abolished in less than five years, opening a floodgate of constitutional changes that eventually led to the mutilation of the supreme law of the land.
“The drafters of the new Constitution had a reason to bring the Senate back. After the scrapping of the Senate in 1967, multi-partyism was done away with,” he told the Nation.
Nominated Senator Martha Wangari said the House ought to be made stronger.
“Instead of scrapping the Senate, we should strengthen it in order to check the excesses in the National Assembly. The gender rule is not an option. It is meant to ensure fair representation. You cannot turn around and push women lawmakers out,” she said.
According to Mr Kuria, functions of the Senate could easily be performed by the National Assembly, though he has not explained how.
“We are collecting the signatures and will then publish booklets to inform Kenyans on what we are pursuing,” he told the Nation yesterday.
Nyamira Senator Kennedy Mong’are dared Mr Kuria to press on with the referendum, saying Kenyans would make the right decision.
“He should include a clause for Kenyans to choose between the two Houses. Kenyans are knowledgeable enough to know the National Assembly is not doing its work well,” he said.
Mr Kilonzo said it would be difficult to reduce the number of counties from 47 to 16.
