Rédaction Africa Links 24 with MAUREEN KINYANJUI
Published on 2024-01-31 13:17:29
The Nairobi county assembly is in the process of acquiring a new mace that is expected to cost taxpayers Sh30 million, according to the Annual Development Plan 2023-2024. The mace will be made of 18-carat gold-plated and the tender for its purchase has already been advertised, with a closing date of February 12, 2024.
However, this plan has been met with criticism from Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai. He has questioned the county’s prioritization of the mace over more urgent development matters.
The ceremonial mace is described on the National Assembly website as a highly ornamental staff carried by a mace-bearer or placed before a sovereign or other high official to symbolize authority in civic ceremonies or before a revered gathering.
The mace holds great significance as it symbolizes the authority of the legislature in which it is displayed and utilized, and it is a vital part of parliamentary tradition at the National Assembly, Senate, and all 47 county assemblies. No formal business can be conducted in its absence, and it is considered a symbol of the House’s authority and dignity as well as that of the presiding Speaker.
The serjeant-at-arms are responsible for the custodianship of the mace, carrying it into the house each day and during ceremonial occasions.
Offences relating to the mace include attempting to remove it or disrupting the Speaker’s procession, and these offences are considered to be grossly disorderly conduct with specific sanctions as stipulated in the National Assembly Standing Orders.
The history of the mace traces back to the 13th Century and has evolved from being a practical weapon to becoming increasingly decorative and encased in precious metals.
The use of the mace in the National Assembly of Kenya dates back to 1958 when it was received by the Speaker of the Legislative Council, Cavendish Bentick. Parliament has used the mace in its legislative activities since then.
In 1963, former President late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta officially brought the maces to Parliament to symbolize the Constitutional authority of the two houses derived from Kenyans, and it has been a part of parliamentary business in Kenya ever since.
