Ekuru Aukot, the leader of the Thirdway Alliance Party, has voiced his reservations about the Privatization Bill 2023, particularly regarding how it will affect the role of Parliament in the privatization process.
The Bill signed into law on Wednesday, has forced a review of the parliamentary consensus on removing members of the Privatization Authority.
Speaking on Citizen TV's Daybreak program, Aukot stated that the Privatisation Act concerns democratic checks and balances by undermining lawmakers' power.
"The Privatisation Act alone assented the other day by the president undermines your role as a parliamentarian," he told Tana River MP Danson Mungatana, who was also part of the morning discussion.
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In addition to stating that the President has the right to suggest legislative modifications, Senator Mungatana also cited the considerable financial losses incurred due to delays in the privatization process under the previous administration.
"The President, like all other leaders, has the authority to propose legislation. Can you come back and say we are being eliminated from the process, assuming we have the figures and pass the test? In a posture.
"Due to the law, the privatization under the previous administration could not occur. Therefore, you could not salvage the sugar sector, and we are suffering a billion-shilling loss.
Aukot brought up the subject of foreign influence once more, claiming that the World Bank and the IMF had impacted some measure provisions.
He said this outside interference might harm the perception of Kenya's sovereignty.
He asserted that "the President is now perceived as a puppet of the West, especially the US AND Europe."
In addition, John Mbadi, chair of the Orange Democratic Party (ODM), agreed with Aukot's assertion that it is against democratic values to exclude Parliament from the privatization process.
"Public property is a right of the people. However, this Bill is hostile to both the populace and democracy. Contrary to the claim that it is increasing efficiency, you may increase efficiency without removing the people's power, Mbadi said.
The Privatization Bill, 2023, which President William Ruto signed and aims to increase the productivity and competitiveness of Kenya's productive resources, sparked controversy since it limits the authority of the Parliament in the privatization process.
The privatization plan will now be presented to the Cabinet for approval and adopted by the National Assembly.
