Speaker Justin Muturi Warns NASA MPs Boycotting Parliament

Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi warned National Super Alliance (NASA) MPs against boycotting Parliament sessions.

Muturi stated he would not bend to NASA boycott of the Assembly declaring that laws made and business transacted will be deemed lawful even if the opposition does not participate.

He further warned that tough action would be taken against the lawmakers including being fined or suspended from the House.

“I urge MPs to exercise restrain during debates as the new house rules incorporate graduated sanctions for disorderly conduct. Heavy penalties will be imposed on disorderly MPs, which shall include withholding of salaries, fines and three month suspension among other penalties,” the Speaker warned.

[caption caption="Speaker Justin Muturi"][/caption]

The Speaker assured the members that proceedings will continue uninterrupted with or without NASA’s participation.

“When the law says parliament businesses will be transacted when there is quorum, it does not mean that opposition members must be present,” Muturi declared.

“If opposition MPs choose not to participate in any proceedings in parliament, this does not affect our daily businesses. As parliament, we are not interested in political contestants,” he added.

Muturi stated that the Committee of Powers and Privileges has reviewed the Privileges Law to incorporate options for fines, especially on damage of property and most importantly that a member can be removed from office for ‘demeaning the office of an MP’.

“Some MPs like earning some political glory by getting entangled in the debates just to be sent out of the chamber. This will come with heavy penalties,” warned the speaker.

The Speaker of the National Assembly defended changes to the electoral laws promoted by Jubilee Party saying the proposals are constitutional.

[caption caption="National Assembly Chamber"][/caption]