Duale dares Nasa to skip President’s address

National Assembly Leader of Majority Aden Duale wants Opposition members to remain outside Parliament buildings throughout the week as MPs discuss President Uhuru Kenyatta’s address.

Opposition MPs resolved to boycott Tuesday’s Parliament opening ceremony to be presided over by Mr Kenyatta.

Mr Duale said the President enjoys full powers under the Constitution despite facing a repeat poll on October 17.

“They can stay out for the next four days because we will have no other business to discuss other than the presidential address. That is what the Standing Orders stipulate,” he said.

The National Super Alliance (Nasa) MPs met Monday and agreed not to attend the official opening of Parliament.

“Nasa members will therefore not attend the purported opening of Parliament on Tuesday September 12 as directed by the Speakers of both the Senate and the National Assembly,” Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula said in a statement issued at Parliament.

“The position of President Kenyatta currently and the nullification of his election by the Supreme Court of Kenya has undermined any legitimacy or authority he may have or may enjoy. This matter is simple and straight forward and requires no debate,” Mr Wetangula said.