Ledama Olekina, a senator from Narok, criticized President William Ruto for trying to modify the Constitution using Standing Orders, calling it ludicrous.
This came after a change was made to require Cabinet Secretaries to appear before Parliament to respond to inquiries and lay out the government’s plans.
“I’ll inform you for the benefit of future generations. William Ruto was successful in 2023 in separating Parliament between pro-constitution and anti-constitutional parties.” On Thursday, Ledama stated in a tweet.
In order to allow CS, whom he referred to as “strangers in parliament,” to attend plenary in parliament and respond to “guided” questions, CS must be allowed to attend. He explained how Ruto allegedly divided the houses, claiming he wrote to both speakers and instructed them to amend their standing orders.
“Completely against the Kenyan constitution’s basic structure theory. utilizing standing orders to change Article 153-3 of the Kenyan Constitution. Really ridiculous “Ledama tacked on.
Last Monday, the Committee on Process and House Rules’ report to change Standing Order 25A was adopted by the House of Representatives.
It gave CSs the chance to elaborate on government policy, respond to inquiries, and present reports pertaining to issues under their authority. Following the passage of the changes to Standing Order 40, they will be expected to appear on the aforementioned days for three hours.
The Constitution’s Article 153(3) allows committees in the Senate or National Assembly to conduct CSs.
A Cabinet Secretary must appear before a committee of the National Assembly or the Senate when requested by the committee and must respond to any inquiries pertaining to matters for which they are accountable.
In contrast to the Standing Order, which now permits them to do so before plenary, the Constitution permits them to testify before parliamentary committees.