Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has hit out at President William Ruto saying it is absurd to amend the Constitution using Standing Orders.
This followed an amendment made to have Cabinet Secretaries appear in Parliament to answer questions and explain the government's agenda.
"For the future generations let me tell you. In 2023 William Ruto succeeded in dividing Parliament between those who defend the constitution and those who mutilate it!" Ledama said in a tweet on Thursday.
He explained how Ruto has allegedly divided the houses, saying he wrote to both speakers and directed them to amend their standing orders to allow CS, who he described as "strangers in parliament", to be allowed to attend plenary in parliament to answer "guided" questions.
"Totally against the basic structure doctrine of the Kenyan constitution. Amending article 153-3 of the Kenyan constitution using standing orders. Totally absurd," Ledama added.
Last week, MPs adopted a report of the Committee on Procedure and House Rules seeking to amend Standing Order 25A.
It allowed CSs an opportunity to expound on government policy, reply to questions and provide reports concerning matters under their control.
They will be required to appear on the aforementioned days for three hours after the adoption of amendments to Standing Order 40.
Article 153 (3) of the Constitution permits Senate or National Assembly committees to sermon CSs.
It states that "A Cabinet Secretary shall attend before a committee of the National Assembly, or the Senate, when required by the committee, and answer any question concerning a matter for which the Cabinet Secretary is responsible".
The Constitution gives room for them to appear before Parliamentary committees, differing from the Standing Order that now gives room for them to appear before plenary.
