Members of Parliament (MPs) are set to convene today to debate on the contested issue of the formation of the key House Business Committee (HBC).
This is after the National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya wrote to Speaker Justin Muturi, requesting him to convene the sitting so that they can present a motion to reverse the decision.
Last week, MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, voted to shoot down a motion seeking to approve names of members to sit in the committee.
A procedural motion to rescind last week’s decision by members has been factored on today’s order paper.
“That, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 49(2) (a), this House resolves to rescind its decision of Tuesday, January 25, 2022 (Afternoon Sitting) regarding appointment of Members to the House Business Committee under paragraph (f) of Standing Order 171(1),” reads the motion to be tabled by Kimunya.
Interestingly, Kimunya has retained the same names in the list which is contrary to the Standing Orders, which states that new members should be listed in a motion rescinding a decision earlier passed by the House.
The motion, which was moved by Kimunya, sought to approve the appointment of members Joyce Emanikor, Shadrack Mose, Kawira Mwangaza, Mohamed Abdikhaim Osman, Makali Mulu, Mishi Mboko and Godfrey Osotsi.
HBC sets the agenda of Parliament including prioritising the motions in order of their precedence. It is chaired by the Speaker and comprises among others, the leaders of the two sides and the Whips and seven other members nominated by parliamentary parties.
The Budget Policy Statement, which was to be tabled in the first week after resumption will be delayed, the Finance Bill, the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, Huduma Bill, Election laws, Regulation of Political Parties, and the Petroleum Products Bill among others.
