Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has urged the Senate to emulate the National Assembly in passing the Political Parties Amendment Bill.
Speaking at a luncheon hosted for Members of Parliament at State House, Raila commended the MPs for passing the coalition Bill noting that Kenyans desire laws that will ensure good governance.
Raila reiterated his support for constitutional amendment which he says it is a never-ending national duty.
“I just want to say, like it has been said before, the law and constitution making is always work in progress. Even the old age constitution, democratic constitution of the United States of America, is still work in progress and they have got several amendments which they always put to use the 5th Amendment, 6th Amendment and so on and so forth,” he said.
“Its not a crime for somebody to see something is wrong in our Constitution or in our law that we need to change, because it always makes things better,” he added.
Backing him, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the law is aimed at improving the country governance system.
Taking a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto’s allies who are opposing the Bill, the President regretted that they are demonizing the amendment for short-term political gain.
“And the political parties amendments that we are trying to push through, which some people have tried to demonise as they demonized Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). The Bill is giving us an opportunity to be able to formally work together across political parties in the interest of the nation,” he said.
Ruto’s allies who were not invited to the luncheon, are opposing the Bill that is intended to pave way for formation of the Azimio Coalition Party.
Senators drawn from Ruto’s camp are planning to introduce amendments to the coalition Bill.
Introduction of new amendments would delay the enactment of the Bill which will be resisted by allies of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila.
It is anticipated that the hard stances witnessed in the National Assembly during the special sittings may play out in the Senate as well.
The Bill will this morning be introduced for the First Reading by Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio.
However, there would be no debate on the proposed law.
The Bill will be subsequently committed to the Senate Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights chaired by Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni.
The committee will then give about seven days for various stakeholders to give their views before holding public hearing sessions.
The team will thereafter retreat to prepare a report to be tabled in the House during the Second Reading.
If they approve the bill as passed by the National Assembly, it would be sent to the President for assent and subsequent implementation.
Should Senators amend the legislation, it will have to be taken back to the National Assembly for consideration.
