National Assembly, Senate clash over bills

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi. He has asked his counterpart in the Senate not to allow debate on the proposed amendments to the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and designated state officers) Act. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

The National Assembly has once again taken aim at the Senate, accusing it of encroaching on its legislative mandate by focusing on debating money bills.

In the latest incident National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi wrote to his counterpart in the Senate warning him against allowing debate on the proposed amendments to the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and designated state officers) Act.

CHANGES

The bill, sponsored by Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina, proposes any alteration or modification of benefits due to a retired public officer be done through a petition, with the approval of both Houses of Parliament.

Mr Kina wants such alteration done by a joint parliamentary committee on entitlements, which will comprise majority and minority leaders from the Senate and the National Assembly and majority and minority whips in the Houses.

However, Mr Muturi is reportedly unhappy with the proposal and has written to Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka warning that the proposals in the bill fall outside the legal purview of the Senate.

BILLS

Other proposed laws the Senate is considering and which the National Assembly has taken issue with include the County Wards Development Equalisation Fund Bill, the County Governments Amendment Bill, County Government Retirement Scheme Bill and The Office County Attorney Bill.

“Money bills are transacted by the National Assembly not the Senate,” said National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, citing the Constitution and Standing Orders.

But Mr Lusaka said there is no cause of alarm. He said the leadership of both Houses will soon retreat to iron out pending issues that have been the cause of tension among legislators. “All bills concern counties. We will seek concurrence from the National Assembly,” he said.