UPDATE: April 28, 11:00: Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka has adjourned the special sitting scheduled for Wednesday, April 28.
The Senators requested more time to read the JLAC report on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2020 before debating it.
The senators are expected back in the chambers at 2:30pm when the report will be tabled.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has called for special sittings of the National Assembly that will set the stage for a showdown as MPs debate the Building Bridges Initiative.
According to the notice seen by Kenyans.co.ke on Monday, April 26, Speaker Muturi noted that the special sittings were scheduled for Wednesday, April 28, and Thursday, April 29.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 29(3) of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, it is notified for the information of the Members of National Assembly and the general public that Special Sittings of the Assembly shall be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, commencing at 10:00 am and 2:30 respectively and Thursday, April 29, 2021, commencing at 10:00 am and 2:30 respectively in the National Assembly Chamber,” read the notice.
During the sittings, the joint report of the team selected to look at the BBI Bill from the National Assembly and The Senate will be tabled.
The report has already caused jitters among the handshake proponents after the committee declared the creation of 70 new constituencies without consultation of the IEBC.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga have already disapproved of the report.
After it is tabled, the MPs will be expected to debate the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2020 in its second and third reading.
This means that MPs will debate and take a vote on the document which is critical in determining whether Kenyans will go to a referendum.
However, if the National Assembly passes the document, the Constitution requires a majority from both houses and the Senate will also have to take a vote.
Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio told Kenyans.co.ke that the Senate was yet to decide on a date but the leadership was in consultation.
Since the whole house will be involved, Kenyans can expect a heated debate and exchanges as battle lines will be drawn.
The National Assembly will also receive a report on the vetting of nominees for the chairperson and member of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The MPs will also consider a public petition for the removal of Tabitha Mutemi from the membership of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).
