Speaker Lusaka Officially Kicks Murkomen Out of Senate Post [VIDEO]

Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen watching across the fence.
Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen watching across the fence.
Twitter

The changes in Jubilee Party's structural leadership at the Senate are now official following an announcement by Speaker Kenneth Lusaka on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

Lusaka confirmed that he had received communication from Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata through a letter dated May 11, 2020, following a Jubilee Coalition Parliamentary Group meeting that was held on May 11.

"I am satisfied that the changes were made in accordance with Senate Standing Order 19 (1,2,30, 40 (5 and 7) and meets the threshold required under Standing order 19 (5) there having been a majority of votes.

Senators Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) addresses the media outside his office on May 11, 2020.
Senators Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) addresses the media outside his office on May 11, 2020.
KBC

"Accordingly, I wish to communicate to the house that the majority have effected changes which shall now take effect as follows; Senate Majority Leader- Senator Samuel Poghisio, Senate Majority Whip- Senator Irungu Kang'ata, and Senate Deputy Majority Whip- Senator Haji Farhiya Ali," Lusaka stated.

"For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Aden Dullo Fatuma continues to be Senate deputy majority leader as no changes were made affecting the officer," he added.

Murkomen took to social media to question the legal process with which the changes were effected, stating that the law was subverted.

"Very sad that Speaker Ken Lusaka had to make such a decision. No signatures. No list of Senators who attended the purported PG. Speaker served with order invalidating Jubilee -KANU coalition yet he makes no reference. I don’t mind being replaced but please follow the damn Law," Murkomen tweeted.

The ouster of Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Susan Kihika Kihika was preceded by a meeting of 20 senators who attended the meeting and unanimously agreed to the changes.

The move comes shortly after the Political Parties Disputes Resolution Tribunal on Tuesday, May 12, suspended post-poll coalition deal between Jubilee Party and the Kenya African National Union (KANU).

The decision was made after Jubilee Deputy Secretary-General and Soy MP Caleb Kositany, Senator Kihika, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali and Jubilee Treasurer Albert Mutai filed an appeal with the Political Parties Tribunal.

The tribunal stated that the coalition had to be approved by the National Executive Committee of the Jubilee Party and in strict compliance of the Political Parties (Registration) Regulations.

"An interim order be and is hereby issued restraining the 2nd and 3rd respondents from making any coalition agreements on behalf of the 1st interested party, jubilee party with any party/parties without a valid, formal resolution of a duly convened National Executive Committee of Jubilee Party and in strict compliance of Regulation 21 of the Political Parties (Registration) Regulations," read the statement by the Tribunal.

The petitioners had sought orders to declare the union between the two parties as null and void.

Kihika wrote to the Senate indicating that she was still the Majority Whip. She added that she did not acknowledge the election between Jubilee and KANU.

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