The Senate on Tuesday, May 11, voted to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill 2020.
Out of the votes, 51 senators voted for the bill, 12 voted no while 1 abstained. The bill will now proceed to the referendum process where Kenyans will get a chance to either vote yes or no if the High Court allows IEBC to proceed.
Senators Who Abstained.
Mary Seneta.
Senators Who Voted Yes.
Christine Gona, Abdulkadir Haji, Farhiya Haji, Abshiro Halake, Fatuma Dullo, Issa Juma, Mercy Chebeni, Hargura Godana, Gertrude Musuruve, Moses Kajwang.
Margaret Kamar, Sylvia Kasanga, George Khaniri, Charles Kibiru, Amos Wako, Enoch Wambua, Moses Wetangula, Agnes Zani, Ali Abdullahi, Petronilla Were.
Gideon Moi, Naomi Waqo, Sam Ongeri , James Orengo, Fred Outa, Judith Pareno, Samuel Poghisio, Victor Prengei, Johnson Sakaja.
Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Kimani Wamatangi, Ephraim Maina, Ndwiga Njeru, Stewart Madzayo, Mahamud Mohamed, Beatrice Kwamboka.
Cleophas Malala, Naomi Shiyonga, Michael Mbito, Ochillo Ayacko, Alice Milgo, Okong'o Mogeni, Philip Mpaayei, Beth Mugo, Agnes Kavindu, Paul Githiomi, Johnes Mwaruma.
Mwinyihaji Faki, Nderitu Kinyua, Rose Nyamunga, Ledama Olekina,
Senators Who Voted No.
Samson Cherargei, Aaron Cheruiyot, Falhada Iman, Irungu Kang'ata, Milicent Omanga, Lelegwe Ltumbesi , Susan Kihika, Christopher Langat, Linturi Mithika, Kindiki Kithure, Imana Malachi, Kipchumba Murkomen.
This is after MPs voted to pass the bill on Thursday, May 6. 235 MPs voted yes while 83 voted no and two abstained. The total number of votes cast was 320.
The surprise turn of events came when a section of MPs allied to Deputy President WIlliam Ruto voted for the bill.
Among the allies include Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri who voted for the approval of the bill. In his defence, he stated that the bill stood for the bottom-up approach instituted by the Ruto camp.
"On our side, we've come up with a policy which dictates the bottom to the top approach which recently began and we've been constantly pushing it.
"What's the difference with this (BBI) which takes funds to the grassroots level from MCAs to the top, and allocates five new constituencies for Nakuru county government? " Ngunjiri asked.
