A majority of Members of Parliament (National Assembly and Senate) allied to Deputy President William Ruto will have to follow President Uhuru Kenyatta’s State of the Nation Address on the television like ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa stated that he would not be attending the address after missing out a seat in the National Assembly chambers where President Kenyatta is expected to address the nation on Thursday, afternoon November 12.
The two Speakers of Parliament have limited the number of MPs who will be allowed into the chambers in compliance with Covid-19 safety guidelines requiring social distance.
Former Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen read mischief in the list of 26 Senators allowed into the chamber as it was dominated by allies of the President and ODM Leader Raila Odinga.
“We have been asked to watch the Presidential address on TV. The list is self-explanatory,” stated Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Mukomen.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who was not granted entry, said he planned a Constituency Day where he would interact with his constituents at various functions.
According to the seating arrangement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Senator Kithure Kindiki and Aaron Cheruiyot were the only Senators allied to Deputy President who were afforded the chance to join the 114 legislators (88 MPs and 26 Senators) in the National Assembly chambers.
Many MPs allied to the DP also missed out, but some of the few who made it to the list included Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), Moses Kuria (Gatundu) and John Kiarie (Dagoretti South).
An insider who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke in confidence explained that the selection was made on a first come first served basis but Murkomen hinted that the process was biased.
All eyes will be on Deputy President William Ruto as Kenyans wait to see whether he will attend the function.
Parliament’s standing orders have stipulated how legislators are supposed to behave during an address by the Head of State.
Whenever the President is scheduled to address a special sitting of Parliament, on that day, no Motion for the adjournment of the House can be raised.
“When delivering an address to the House, the President shall be heard in silence and the address shall not be followed by any comment or question,” the laws states.
President Kenyatta will unveil the Swahili version of the Standing Orders for the first time, which will introduce terms such as ardhilhali (petition), akidi (quorum), hoja ya nidhamu (point of order), and kamati za kiidara (departmental committees).
