Luanda MP faces it rough controlling House as MPs debate Coalition Bill
Luanda MP Chris Omulele on Wednesday found it rough navigating through a ‘chaotic’ House sitting convened to discuss the controversial Political Parties (Amendments) Bill, 2021.
Coming in to steer the House through the Committee of the Whole House, Omulele expressed rare firmness in dealing with both the two divides that were determined to have their way.
At one point, the Luanda lawmaker took on Turkana MP Joyce Akai Emanikor telling her Parliament is not a war zone, and that he can't be scared.
Omulele also stood his ground to the demands of lawmakers to have results of virtual voting considered.
“Because the virtual voting was not displayed, it will not count for this,” Omulele ruled.
The Bill is seen as part of a strategy to turn Azimio La Umoja, being championed by opposition Chief Raila Odinga, into a coalition party.
Debate on the legislation, backed by Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta, ended prematurely on December 22 after which the Speaker directed a further review of the Bill at the JLAC.
The Wednesday special session is seen as a supremacy battle between pro-Uhuru-Raila MPs and those allied to Deputy President William Ruto with the House expected to make a final decision on the Coalition Bill.
Pro-Ruto MPs are pushing a number of amendments to water down the Political Parties (Amendments) Bill, 2021, sponsored by Majority Leader Amos Kimunya.
A number of Tangatanga MPs have lined up amendments to the Bill which will allow the formation of a Coalition Party ahead of 2022 polls.
Kieleweke MPs on the other side are opposed to any further amendments to the Bill. BY THE STAR
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