Muturi recalls House over Security Bill

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has recalled MPs for two special sittings on Thursday where they are expected to approve the contentious Security Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2014.

Mr Muturi published a special gazette notice notifying MPs of the special sittings where they will also consider a special Motion relating to the nomination of Kajiado Central MP Joseph Nkaissery as Interior minister.

The MPs will also consider a special Motion on a report on the approval of proposed members of the Constituencies Development Fund Board.

“Pursuant to Standing Order 29(3) of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, it is notified for the information of members of the National Assembly and the public that two special sittings of the Assembly shall be held in the National Assembly...,” read the special issue of the gazette notice dated December 15.

The recall comes at a time when the government is facing mounting pressure for planning to amend sections of the law, which critics say could negate the Bill of Rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

The opposition Cord on Tuesday held public hearings at Ufungamano House in Nairobi where participants vowed to oppose the Bill, saying it was draconian.

The media has also opposed sections of the Bill, saying they infringe on media freedom.

Senate minority leader Moses Wetang’ula asked Mr Muturi to refer the Bill to the Senate in line with Article 110 of the Constitution for input.

“Is there any security issue that does not affect counties? We have today (yesterday) submitted signatures to the Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro.

We have demanded the recall of the Senate by Thursday for us to join progressive voices in rejecting this draconian Bill,” he said.

The coalition vowed to block all entry points to Parliament and invited its supporters to turn out at 6am on Thursday to barricade and paralyse activities of the special sitting.

The Senate went on recess two weeks ago while the National Assembly took its Christmas break last Thursday.

The Committee on Appointments, which is chaired by Mr Muturi, met yesterday to write its report on the vetting of Major General (Rtd) Nkaissery who was nominated by President Uhuru Kenyatta to take up the security docket on December 2.