Handshake and Hustlers leaning MPs are headed for another faceoff in the parliament as the controversial Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021 goes for the third round of debate.
As the House resumes for a three-day special sitting on Wednesday, January 5, both sides are determined to win the battle over the Bill that has left the house more divided than before.
Having been frustrated in the previous two special sittings by a well-coordinated Tangatanga team, the Handshake team is now banking on the speaker’s directive to have the voting done electronically to outnumber their opponents.
Through electronic voting, Handshake MPs are confident time-wasting will be avoided during voting, a strategy that the Tangatanga team successfully employed in the last two special sittings having sponsored an array of amendments to the bill.
While giving the notice Speaker Justin Muturi invoked Standing Order 70 and directed the Clerk to facilitate the use of an electronic voting system during the special sitting.
On the other hand, the allies of Deputy President William Ruto have vowed to frustrate the passage of the Bill with all means.
Kimilili MP Dismus Barasa noted that Parliament is a democratic house and that has rules that cannot be bent only to favour one side. “Will set the rules before the debate begins. Let them bring their numbers,” Barasa said.
Keiyo South MP, Daniel Rono, said that no new rules would enable the bill to sail through. “We are ready. The bill will still fail. Watch us on Wednesday. It will be fireworks,” Rono said.
Speaking to one of the leading newspapers nominated MP David Sankok, said they are prepared and will surprise the proponents of the bill which he said is only meant to benefit one particular politician.
He said that it doesn’t matter whether it will be electronic or manual voting, they have the numbers and strategies to defeat the bill.
By Amos Khaemba, Kivumbi.co.ke correspondent, Nairobi.
