DP William Ruto allies’ about-turn on disputed Bill

Deputy President William Ruto’s camp is apparently climbing down on its opposition to the political parties bill as it emerged some of his allies are negotiating to have certain offensive clauses expunged.

As members of the National Assembly today begin a three-day special sitting to consider the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, the DP’s camp could be walking back on their initial hard-line position that the bill should be rejected in its entirety.

Former National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale disclosed that he was party to negotiations with proponents of the bill to expunge a provision that the DP’s camp insist will grant the Registrar of Political Parties sweeping powers over party nominations.

“We are seeking consensus and the progress is good. I cannot tell you the details but you will see in the House tomorrow,” Mr Duale told Nation yesterday. By seeking consensus, it would appear the DP’s camp is softening its stance on rejecting the bill in its entirety.

President Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga have fronted the bill to pave way for registration of a coalition party, thought to be Azimio La Umoja, on whose ticket the former prime minister will contest the presidency.  Yesterday, Majority Leader Amos Kimunya said both sides have reached an agreement on most of the clauses deemed offensive.

Made  progressed

“I have spent the whole of last week listening to different [people] and we have made progress after explaining to them different clauses,” Mr Kimunya said.

He revealed that MPs had agreed to delete section 25 that proposed to expand the mandate of the Registrar of Political Parties to include “prescribing the manner of conducting political party nomination.”

However, the push for consensus could still be frustrated by hardliners from both camps and Mr Kimunya alluded to this, adding, he still expects drama in the House today. Nation understands that some allies of the DP had filed more proposed amendments to slow down debate.

MPs who have filed more amendments are George Kariuki (Ndia), Nixon Korir (Lang’ata), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Dido Raso (Saku), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) and Cecily Mbarire (Nominated).

Time-wasting

Justice and Legal Affairs Committee Chairman Muturi Kigano said he is not willing to negotiate with the DP’s allies because they had walked out of his committee last week when it met to iron out several amendments that had hindered proceedings.

The MP said he was aware of the additional amendments but was yet to get a copy as of yesterday.

National Assembly Clerk Michael Sialai said voting today will be done electronically and any member without a card will not be allowed to vote.

The system has been adopted to avoid time-wasting through physical voting.

Minority Leader John Mbadi, who is set to miss today’s sittings as he was suspended following last week’s chaotic session, said he has already mobilised his members.

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