How Phone Call Cancelled Secret Revenue Formula Talks

A file image of State House in Nairobi
A file image of State House in Nairobi
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An informal meeting of Senators scheduled for Sunday, August 9 at a hotel in Kiambu County was cancelled after Majority Whip Irungu Kang'ata reportedly received a call from State House.

More than 40 Senators had confirmed via Whatsapp that they would be attending the meeting meant to build consensus on the Third Basis Revenue Allocation formula before the next debate.

The meeting was organized by Majority Whip Irungu Kang'ata, who also confirmed its cancellation to reporters citing advice he received.

The caller was reportedly concerned that the meeting would be seen as a partisan affair as a majority of those who confirmed attendance backed the formula and the 'One Man, One Vote, One Shilling' principle.

Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata attends a court session on August 29, 2019
Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata attends a court session on August 29, 2019
Daily Nation

Nominated Senators, who hold no vote, were among those who had confirmed their attendance ahead of the meeting.

"A lot of effort had gone into planning, but the meeting was cancelled," Kang'ata stated of the planned session.

Senators who have oppossed the formula including Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr., his Nairobi counterpart Johnson Sakaja, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo and Narok's Ledama Ole Kina were not expected at the meeting.

The caller also reportedly expressed reservations over an invite extended to Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka for the meeting.

"I was advised that perception of bias on the part of the speaker would have arisen if the meeting had gone on.

"With the benefit of hindsight, we should not have invited him. He needs to stay above the fray," Kang'ata revealed.

Kang'ata, however, remained confident that talks going on behind the scenes would result in a deal that would be welcomed by the Senate.

He appeared to be open to striking a compromise after initially declaring that they would accept nothing less than the 'One Man, One Vote, One Shilling' formula.

"Discussions are still ongoing. I can assure the public that something is actually cooking. I hope they'll yield something. I urge my colleagues to tone down their views and stances," Kang'ata maintained.

Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka (front) leads senators in a meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka (front) leads senators in a meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 2020
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