Many Kenyans following heated Senate proceedings on television were left confused on Tuesday, July 28 when the sound was abruptly cut off during Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina's speech only to return after he was done.
The Senator had risen to explain his opposition to the Third Basis Revenue Allocation Formula, and launched into a hard-hitting address on its disadvantages before being cut off.
Ole Kina vehemently opposed the formula claiming it would foster division and disunity among Kenyans, further calling for an amended formula that does not neglect historically marginalized counties.
While the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit (PBU) is responsible for the feed from the Senate, Ole Kina claimed that he was deliberately silenced as he sought to educate the public on the controversial formula.
"They muted me so that Kenyans don’t know their true intentions! Very sad," the Senator wrote.
Former Presidential Candidate James Ole Kiyiapi, who was following his proceedings, expressed his surprise at the incident.
"I was shocked - they mentioned your name and live coverage went off. I didn’t actually think it would get that far," he observed.
Efforts by Kenyans.co.ke to question the Clerk of the National Assembly over the allegations were futile as his office was unreachable.
Ledama, however, was undeterred and later led Senators opposed to the formula in singing patriotic songs at the house after the sitting was adjourned.
He maintained that it would not be right for the Senate to allow the formula to pass in its current state as it would lead to further marginalization of some counties deemed 'unproductive'.
"I think we have come of age as a nation that we must respect the separation of powers. The Judiciary has its role, the Legislature has its role and the Executive has its role.
"We are all in support of the President's agenda of one Kenya. We will not be supporting an agenda where we are dividing Kenya. I'm actually sad to see the Majority Whip (Irungu Kang'ata) try to intimidate people who stood and defended their mandate," Ole Kina asserted.
Watch Ole Kina lead Senators in song after the heated session below:
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