Fireworks as MPs set to approve dialogue team

Fireworks are expected in Parliament today as the contentious list of the bipartisan team comes up for approval before the bi-cameral House.

National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah has written to Speaker Moses Wetang'ula giving notice of motion for formation of the 14-member joint select committee. It is expected to determine a solution to the issues raised by the opposition, Azimio la Umoja.

The tone of the motion is, however, is expected to elicit strong opposition from Azimio, as it largely ignores a number of critical concerns the Raila Odinga-led side had raised as a condition for talks.

From the composition of the bipartisan team to the mandate, the two sides appear to be reading from completely different scripts, setting the stage for a major clash on the floor of the House

“Now, therefore, in accordance with the provisions of Article 1(1) and (2) of the Constitution of Kenya and Rule 9 of the Houses of Parliament (Joint Sittings) Rules, the National Assembly resolves the two Houses establish a joint select committee consisting of fourteen (14) members, seven (7) each from the two coalitions in Parliament,” the motion reads.

The UDA list includes Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Hillary Sigei (Bomet), Essy Okenyuri (Nominated), Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta MP), George Murugara (Tharaka), Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), and Adan Keynan (Eldas).

The Azimio list includes senators Ledama Olekina (Narok), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Enoch Wambua (Kitui) and MPs Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), David Pkosing (Pokot South) and Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo.

The inclusion of the Eldas lawmaker, Adan Keynan of Jubilee. a member of the Azimio coalition, whose inclusion the members have rejected, is expected to spark a heated debate on the floor.

Raila on Sunday demanded the immediate removal of Keynan from the Kenya Kwanza team, terming his inclusion disrespectful and a demonstration of bad faith on the part of the ruling party's side.

"Keynan was elected to Parliament through the Jubilee Party, which is under Azimio. President William Ruto should let our people be, leave our people alone," Raila said.

The debate also comes less than a week after National Assembly proceedings  were on Thursday characterised by a heated argument on the removal of Jubilee nominated MP Sabina Chege as the Deputy Minority Whip.

Otiende, who also co-chairs the ad-hoc team, has also called for the replacement of Keynan from the dialogue team.

“We note our counterparts have named Hon Adan Keynan as part of their team. Keynan is a member of Azimio. The issue of party discipline is one of the four cardinal issues on the table and his inclusion is in bad faith and intended to delay the process,” Otiende said.

“We, therefore request that he be replaced.”

According to Ichung’wah’s motion, the mandate of the committee will be primarily to facilitate reconstitution of the Selection Panel on the recruitment of chairperson and members of IEBC.

It also tasks the Committee with recommending legal, policy and institutional reforms to strengthen the IEBC and improve the electoral system and reforms to ensure elections are impartial, efficient, simple, accurate, transparent and accountable.

“The mandate shall also be to collate views from stakeholders on proposals to enhance inclusivity and bi-partisanship in the electoral system in the country,” the Kikuyu MP said.

“On the basis of the findings and recommendations of the Joint Committee [it will] prepare a report and a draft Bill or draft Bills for consideration by Parliament.”

The mandate leaves out the issue of cost of living, the opening of servers and reinstatement of the four IEBC commissioners as demanded by Azimio.

Sifuna threatened to reconsider his membership to the Select Committee if the cost of living, especially price of unga, is not one of the committee’s mandates.

“The expertise I am bringing to this team is unga. If we are not discussing unga, I have no business being in that committee,” the Nairobi senator told the Star.

According to the notice of motion, the two sides are also not in tandem on which route to take with the talks.

Whereas  Kenya Kwanza has insisted on a parliamentary route, Azimio wants a soft spot for an out-of-Parliament initiative. They want it approved, without being subjected to the normal Parliamentary procedures of voting.

“The proceedings of the joint committee shall be governed by the Standing Orders. The clerks of both Houses of Parliament shall provide secretarial services in accordance with the Standing Orders,” Ichung’wah said.

“The Majority and Minority Party leaders shall provide joint rapporteurs to the Joint Select Committee, but the official record will be the Parliamentary Hansard.”

The conflicting demands, it is feared, will likely escalate the standoff.

Ichung'wah said the Select Committee shall report to Parliament within 90 days and will be free to engage experts and professionals in discharging its mandate.

Already, Azimio has drawn in university don Makau Mutua and Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni,  a lawyer by profession,  as assisting counsel to the committee.

The opposition team has also named Raila's personal lawyer Paul Mwangi to serve as a joint secretary of the talks team.

(Edited by V. Graham)