Kenyan MPs warned against rush to pass key 28 Bills

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto has warned Parliament against rushing to pass the pending 28 Bills to beat the constitutional deadline, saying this would undermine gains made in devolution.

The governor said if MPs pass the Bills in a bid to comply with the August 27 deadline, half of the country’s hard-earned liberties would be effectively wiped out.

“Should the MPs pass all the Bills pending before the House on Tuesday, Kenyans would be shocked to learn that half of devolution gains would be gone,” said Mr Ruto.

He claimed there was a scheme by parliamentarians to revert pieces of land including community land back to the national government, a situation he warned could lead to chaos.

“The situation might go haywire. People will fight if you take away community land,” said Ruto.

He made the remarks yesterday during a funds drive to assist ailing former paramount chief Wilson Kenduiywo at Kericho Tea Hotel.

The governor said upon expiry of land leases such as those being held by multinational tea companies in South Rift region, the land should be reverted to the local community.

“Upon the expiry of the land leases, we will not accept the pieces of land to be taken over by the national government for the Lands Cabinet Secretary sitting in Nairobi to determine what next to do with our forefathers property,” said Ruto.

He also pointed out that efforts by Kipsigis and the Talai clan to sue the British government for historical injustices would come to naught if the move is outlawed by Parliament.

Meanwhile, there was drama on Friday afternoon at Segemik Parish in Bomet County after supporters of the governor and those of National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso clashed.

Ruto’s supporters attempted to block Dr Laboso and her supporters from accessing the venue.

However, police overpowered the youths and escorted Laboso to the venue.

But when Ruto and Laboso, who all along had been exchanging pleasantries, took to the podium they steered clear of their differences.