FIRST TO SAY NO

Baringo MCAs reject BBI Bill amidst teargas

Riot police called to quell the disturbance before acrimonious BBI debate continued in Baringo assembly on Thursday.

In Summary

• Riot police called. Trouble started after Kabarnet MCA Ernest Kibet called for order and snatched microphone from the mover of BBI motion, Mogotio MCA Charles Kosgei.

• Kosgei is a Jubilee supporter and heads the justice and legal affairs committee. Kibet is independent. Eventually, debate continued. 

Baringo assembly in earlier peaceful days before Covid-19 and BBI.
ASSEMBLY: Baringo assembly in earlier peaceful days before Covid-19 and BBI.
Image: FILE

The Baringo  Assembly became the first county legislature to reject the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill after a chaotic session in which riot police were called.

Teargas was thrown into the chamber by police just before the speaker declared 30 MCAs had rejected the Bill while 11 had voted in favour  

The speaker braved the tumult Thursday to announce the results and adjourned the sitting.

Earlier, riot police were called to quell a disturbance in the Baringo assembly as members fiercely disagreed over the tabled BBI Bill.

Trouble started after Kabarnet MCA Ernest Kibet called for order and snatched the microphone from the mover of the motion, Mogotio MCA Charles Kosgei.

Kosgei is a Jubilee supporter and chairman of the justice and legal affairs committee. Kibet is an independent member.

"No, we will not allow you to table this motion," Kibet said while pointing the microphone at Kosgei and threatening him with it.

Bartabwa MCA Reuben Chepsongol and Mochongoi Kipruto Kimosop and Mukutani's Renson Barkei intervened to cool down the battle. Assembly Speaker David Kiplagat called for order.

The BBI Bill was tabled a day after the members returned from Jubilee headquarters where they met party secretary general Raphael Tuju in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The bill sparked a fierce division between the supporters of Deputy President William Ruto and the Kanu chairman Gideon Moi, both from Rift Valley and seeking the presidency in 2022. Gideon is the Baringo senator.

Riot police officers were deployed to calm down the situation before members continued to acrimoniously discuss the BBI motion.

Kanu members called for adjournment but the speaker resisted.

Thirty-one Jubilee and 10 Kanu MCAs were still 'debating' on Thursday afternoon.

(Edited by V. Graham)

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