Speaker Kingi faces Impeachment Threat Over Alleged Obstruction of Constituent Concerns
Opposition senators are threatening to commence impeachment proceedings against Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, citing allegations that he has obstructed members from presenting issues affecting the public on the Senate floor.
Senators aligned with Azimio, who abruptly left a Senate stock-taking and planning retreat for the first two sessions of the 13th Parliament in Nairobi on Monday, assert that there is a deliberate effort to suppress discussions in the House through the uneven application of the Standing Orders.
In a press briefing held at Parliament Buildings, Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, accompanied by 20 senators, accused the Senate leadership of hypocrisy and openly flouting Standing Orders, particularly displaying contempt towards the minority side and its leadership.
The senators walked out of the retreat as a protest against these alleged actions.
“We have also seen well-choreographed attempts to stifle debate on the floor through unequal application of the Standing 0rders, some members of the Speakers’ panel appear to be under instruction to allow numerous and repeated frivolous points of order whenever a member of the minority side is on the floor,” said Madzayo.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna highlighted another concern, pointing out a perceived imbalance in the administration of severe penalties for alleged transgressions by minority members.
Sifuna contended that minority leaders faced expulsion for minor infractions, while their counterparts on the majority side escaped consequences for similar actions.
Sifuna specifically referenced an incident involving Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo and Nominated Senator Veronica Maina, who presided over a sitting as a member of the Speaker’s panel.
Despite a formal complaint lodged with the Speaker regarding Maina’s conduct, no remedial action has been taken, according to Sifuna’s assertions.
This further underscores the opposition senators’ grievances regarding the uneven treatment within the Senate.
The Nairobi Senator further alleged that the Speaker has persistently and without legal justification declined to approve questions and motions put forth by the minority side.
This accusation suggests a pattern of obstructing the legislative contributions of the minority, intensifying the opposition senators’ concerns about unfair treatment and hindrance of their parliamentary responsibilities.
“In the last session motions to censure Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria for his attacks on the media and Inspector General of Police for his conduct during opposition protests and many others were rejected in order to protect the image of the regime,” said Sifuna.
Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina claimed that the Senate’s legislative process is controlled, with unconstitutional bills sponsored by the Kenya Kwanza regime dominating the first two sessions.
Kina highlighted obstacles faced by minority-sponsored private members’ bills, including delays in pre-publication, publication, committee processing, and debate scheduling.
“Our members have also complained of outright plagiarism and hijacking of their legislative ideas by various ministries, the best example is the digital health bill initially sponsored by Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana,” he said.
Opposition senators urgently requested the removal of panel members known for hindering debates and inconsistently applying House rules.
They insisted on impartial enforcement of Standing Orders during discussions and a speaker ruling on every point of order.
The senators also demanded prompt responses to communications from the minority leadership, specifically addressing concerns about Nominated Senator Maina’s behavior, and advocated for the reformation of committees.
They cautioned that numerous bills approved by the House may face legal challenges as proper procedures were not adhered to.
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Speaker Kingi faces Impeachment Threat Over Alleged Obstruction of Constituent Concerns
