National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has issued a Gazette notice recalling Members of Parliament (MPs) back to the House to debate the controversial amendments to the new Election Laws.
Mr Muturi stated that due to the chaotic unfolding in the August House on Tuesday, legislators will be re-convening on Thursday, December 22, 2016.
In the notice, the Speaker highlighted that: "Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 29(3) of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, it is notified for the information of Members of the National Assembly and the general public that two Special sittings of the Assembly shall be held in the National Assembly chamber on the Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi on Thursday, 22nd December, 2016 commencing at 9.30 am and at 2.30 pm and terminating at 1.00pm in the case of the upcoming sitting and not later than midnight in the case of the afternoon sitting."
"Re-committal in the Committee of the Whole House of the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 3 of 2015) and consideration thereto of amendments to the Elections Act, 2011 and the Elections Campaign Financing Act, 2013, to commence from the debate interrupted on December 20, 2016, and Third Reading of the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 3 of 2015)." Muturi stated.
On Tuesday, the Speaker adjourned the sitting to January 24, 2017, after CORD MPs disrupted the sitting as they opposed the amendments to the Election Laws.
The Opposition lawmakers are against the Amendment that gives the electoral body powers to revert to a manual system if technology employed during the 2017 election fails.
They are also opposed to another change seeking to increase the number of voters per polling station from 500 to 700.
Led by Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo, the Opposition MPs caused drama in Parliament as they blocked Mr Muturi from accessing the chambers during the morning session. They had also vowed to ensure that the Mace — the Assembly’s symbol of authority — did not get into the House.
The Mbita MP would later spark public outrage after she lost her cool and hurled insulting words towards President Uhuru Kenyatta noting that she was entitled to her opinion.
The situation calmed down at around noon, when Majority Leader Aden Duale emerged from a crisis meeting, announcing that the standoff had been resolved.
However, the theatrics went on in the afternoon as the Opposition lawmakers used delay tactics to disrupt the debate. The session was characterised by insults, catcalls and jeers.
