Members of Parliament affiliated with the Azimio la Umoja coalition walked out of plenary for the umpteenth time on Thursday after Speaker Moses Wetangula refused to approve the expulsion of Nominated member Sabina Chege as Deputy Minority Whip.
In his judgement, the Speaker claimed that the Azimio coalition did not correctly follow the standing orders in writing to him to remove the Deputy Minority Whip.
According to Wetangula, Azimio's letter merely mentioned dismissal and not a replacement, only partially following the requirements of National Assembly Standing Order 20A.
Wetangula ordered the minority and Jubilee parties to organize, allowing the Azimio coalition party 30 days to get their House in order.
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The Speaker said he was inclined to allow the minority side 30 days to put their House in order. By the time the House resumes, he expects that his office will receive communication from the minority party replacing the Deputy Minority Whip if they so wish, in the manner contemplated by the standing orders.
The verdict did not sit well with the minority leader, who wanted the Speaker to approve Sabina's dismissal while they worked on her replacement.
Deputy Minority Leader Robert Mbui said that the Speaker used the word removal, but replacement begins with removal; why didn't he allow them the removal while we work on the reserve?
Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said it is hard to agree with the ruling because once they initiate the removal process, it would have been good if the Speaker confirmed Sabina Chege's removal and allowed them to seek a replacement.
However, Speaker Wetangula rejected the pleadings, resulting in a mass walkout by MPs supporting Azimio.
He also warned MPs on House etiquette, adding that several disregarded standing orders, setting a negative example to those who visit Parliament and Kenyans.
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