Nasa leaders in Parliament at risk of losing privileges

What you need to know:

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi is set to issue a ruling on the action to be taken against MPs who fail to attend the House.
Nasa hardened its position on the legitimacy of Parliament with an announcement that its members will not participate in House committees dominated by ‘‘computer generated’’ leaders.

Opposition National Super Alliance (Nasa) leaders in Parliament are at risk of losing privileges, including use of government vehicles and access to their offices, following their decision to skip House sittings.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi is set to issue a ruling on the action to be taken against MPs who fail to attend the House. This is after Leader of Majority Aden Duale demanded to know why Nasa MPs who served as Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, Minority Whip and his deputy in both the Senate and National Assembly in the 11th Parliament continue to enjoy government facilities including official vehicles.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula served as Senate Minority Leader in the 11th Parliament. Nominated Senator and now Kisii Women Representative Janet Ong’era served as Minority Whip.

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In the National Assembly, Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze was the Minority Leader while Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa was the Deputy Minority Whip. They were re-elected to the 12th Parliament.

“The minority party has not submitted their list until today. I am shocked there is certain leadership of minority who still enjoy government facilities. Mr Wetangula drives a GK vehicle just like the rest of the minority team,” Mr Duale said.

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Leaders of majority and minority in both Houses are offered privileges including taxpayer fuelled official cars, offices, staff and security. Mr Duale asked Mr Muturi to rule on whether Nasa MPs who skip the House can continue to enjoy privileges.

“This matter will bring serious audit issues on accounts of PSC, please give direction to accounting officers in the Senate and here that they should not facilitate any MP from the minority side to use taxpayers’ resources,” Mr Duale said.

Nasa hardened its position on the legitimacy of Parliament with an announcement that its members will not participate in House committees dominated by ‘‘computer generated’’ leaders.