National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula was forced to intervene during a parliamentary debate marred with disruptions by a section of Members of Parliament (MPs).
While bringing the house to order during the Tuesday, November 1 afternoon session, Wetangula scolded newly-elected legislators for causing disruptions during the debate on the appointment of the new clerk of the National Assembly.
The speaker expressed his regret over the conduct of some parliamentarians even as he threatened to kick them out of the August House.
During the debate that was turning chaotic, the sergeants at arms were forced to surround the mace to ensure that the debate ran smoothly even as a number of MPs were on their feet.
"When I see veterans like John Mbadi keeping silent and struggling to listen and new members - who ought to be learning the ropes are doing what Mombasa County mp did is very wrong.
He acknowledged that there were divergent views over the proposal on the appointment of Samuel Njoroge as the new clerk urging the MPs to debate rather than shout and disrupt the debate.
"Everybody has an opinion in every matter, matters are determined through a vote. We will not have a market situation being brought to this house.
"I want to recognise the likes of Mbadi who is a veteran. He always had strong opinions but he refrains from them because he knows the power lies in his vote," he stated.
Afterwards, a section of legislators raised concern over Wetangula's impartiality given that the report under discussion was signed by him.
"Mr speaker is it in order for you to preside over the debate for a report you signed for the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to preside over this debate? Wouldn't it be better to allow your deputy or someone else to listen to the members ventilating," Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo opined.
In response, Wetangula assured the MPs that he did not have any interest in the matter.
"The chair is studiously impartial and has no vote. At the of the debate, you will vote without any reference to the chair," the speaker affirmed.
