Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-12 16:44:16
Chaos erupted in Parliament on Tuesday, March 12, when a group of Azimio Senators clashed with the House chair and acting Speaker, Garissa Senator Abdul Haji, demanding more time to debate the Affordable Housing Bill. The tension escalated during parliamentary proceedings as Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang expressed his frustration for not being given enough time to address various amendments to the bill. The lawmakers were specifically discussing the amendment of Clause 42(b) which aimed to restrict the number of Affordable Housing units an individual could own. The bill was at the Third Reading stage, signifying a crucial point in the legislative process.
Kajwang made a plea to the chair, requesting a 15-minute slot to present his views on the amendment without any interruptions. However, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot criticized Kajwang’s request, stating that it violated the rules of the House. Cheruiyot emphasized the need for a swift and concise procedure during the Third Reading, allowing minimal time for each speaker to explain the significance of their proposed amendments. This did not sit well with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who defended Kajwang against the Majority Leader’s remarks, accusing UDA senators of rushing the process to push the bill through swiftly.
Sifuna highlighted that Kajwang was within his rights to request a specific time for his input and criticized Cheruiyot for misinterpreting the Standing Orders. The exchange of words between the senators intensified, leading to the Azimio Senators confronting the chair in a bid to have their voices heard. The situation became tense, prompting the House security to step in and protect Haji from any potential altercation.
Amidst the chaos, the chair managed to regain control and restore order in the House. The Azimio senators eventually took their seats, allowing the debate to continue. The incident underscored the level of disagreement and tension surrounding the Affordable Housing Bill within the Senate chambers.
The lawmakers’ clash highlighted the deep-seated divisions and differing perspectives on the bill, with Azimio Senators advocating for more deliberation and scrutiny, while others aimed for a swift passage. The heated exchange between the senators also shed light on the intricacies of the legislative process and the importance of adhering to parliamentary procedures.
As the debate on the Affordable Housing Bill progresses, it remains to be seen how the differing factions within Parliament will navigate their differences and reach a consensus on this critical piece of legislation that directly impacts the housing sector in Kenya.
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