2 Options For Murkomen, Kihika After Ouster From Senate Leadership

Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen watching across the fence.
Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen watching across the fence.
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All hope may not be lost on the ousted Jubilee Party Senate leaders outgoing Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen and Majority Whip, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, renowned Political Analyst Herman Manyora explained that the best remaining option the leaders could exploit to retain their seats was the legal way.

"It is possible that they could retain their seats but you see this is a political issue. Our courts do some strange things. The courts should not usually be bothered with whatever is going on but they are really taking part. That shows our courts are not very serious they can come up with anything.

"For their Senate seats, the situation is guided by standing orders. The speaker will simply follow the rules according to the standing orders. That cannot save them," explained Manyora.

Senators Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) addresses the media outside his office on May 11, 2020.
Senators Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) addresses the media outside his office on May 11, 2020.
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"What can save them and again is very strange, is if they went to court and our courts are giving very strange rulings. If they go to the speaker, he will show them standing orders," argued Manyora who sees a slim chance that the courts could offer them a lifeline. 

Regarding their future at the party, Manyora explained that they would not necessarily be edged out unless they voluntarily left.

Murkomen was replaced as the Senate Majority Leader by West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio while Kihika's role was given to Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata.

Based on the outcome of the changes that were as a result of a high-stakes meeting at State House convened by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Analyst Mutahi Ngunyi revealed that it proved that Deputy President William Ruto was not as strong as he had like people to believe.

He further insinuated that the ejection had created an opportunity that would see his allies lose their elected seats altogether.

"Next poll of call: The Constitution allows voters to recall their MP and hold a fresh election. GEMA MPs in Ruto camp should be recalled.

"Is William Kabogo (former Kiambu Governor) with me? Start with Moses Kuria. Murkomen has shown us that Ruto is not half as strong as we think he is," stated Ngunyi.

Lawyer  Charles Kanjama observed that Jubilee Party had largely operated as a private enterprise, something that showed the Senate PG meeting held on Monday could not be reversed.

"Only the governing body of a political party, as defined in 2nd Sched, Political Parties Act (2011), can enter into a coalition agreement.

"It is interesting that 9 years after the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Political Parties Act 2011, even governing political parties in Kenya still operate like single-owner private enterprises. Rule of law is a rumour!

"Jubilee Constitution allows its NEC, not the governing body, to do post-election coalitions," stated Kanjama.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo, on the other hand, hinted that the State House deal was already final, stating that "the Speaker of the Senate is only required to confirm that Majority of the senators signed the changes in their leadership and the communication was issued by the authorized person.

"Any other dispute will have to be taken to another legal entity," again alluding to a possible court intervention as argued by Manyora.

Murkomen and Kihika, in a press statement on Monday, May 11, disclosed that a section of Jubilee senators had written to the Senate speaker and informed him that they were never invited to the said meeting claiming that it was illegal.

In his press briefing, Murkomen made it clear that they would not stand by and watch as the rules of the House were disregarded.

"The decision to remove me and Kihika is null and void," he stated.

Nakuru County Governor Lee Kinyanjui and Senator Susan Kihika at a past event.
Nakuru County Governor Lee Kinyanjui and Senator Susan Kihika at a past event.
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