Full tray as parliament resumes sittings tomorrow

Parliament is also expected to debate the President's memorandum on the creation of the office of the Leader of the Opposition. [File, Standarde]

The Senate and National Assembly resume sittings for a second session after a long break with the majority side keen to push President William Ruto's legislative agenda.

The ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the opposition members in both Houses are expected to have highly charged sessions with each pushing to have President Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga's agenda sail through.

The National Assembly will be considering the first supplementary budget of President Ruto's administration with Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah saying they will be racing against time to ensure the matter is concluded as soon as possible to ensure smooth government operations.

The supplementary budget is very crucial in the running of government affairs, that is why we are keen on having various committees complete their work and engage the budget committee so that we are done away with this business by March 1 this year," said Ichungwah.

Parliament is also expected to debate the President's memorandum on the creation of the office of the Leader of the Opposition.

President Ruto wrote a letter to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi asking them to consider the introduction of a constitutional amendment Bill to set up the office of the official opposition leader.

"I believe that the idea of Official Opposition, above and beyond mere minority parliamentary leadership, makes tremendous sense in terms of institutionalising governance, strengthening oversight, and deepening democracy," said Ruto in his letter.

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said that Azimio legislators are only concerned with addressing the high cost of living for Kenyans.

Wandayi said that the opposition will be keen to scrutinize the agenda brought by Kenya Kwanza Alliance to the National Assembly to ensure that they are not meant to protect the interest of a few privileged individuals but the majority of Kenyans who are suffering.

"Azimio is not interested in amendment of the Constitution at the moment, we are interested on how the Kenya Kwanza administration will lower the cost of living for millions of Kenyans who no longer afford their food, the other issues are not important," he said.

National Assembly Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs Vice Chairperson Mwengi Mutuse said that Parliament is going to debate various proposals made by the President before it is decided whether the parliamentary initiative or popular vote will be used.

The Senate will be approving names of Members of the Senate Business Committee which will be Chaired by Speaker Amason Kingi with Senate Majority Leader Aron Cheruiyot, Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale and Senate Minority Whip Fatuma Dullo being members.

Senators; Ali Roba(Mandera), Veronica Maina (Nominated), Hillary Sigei(Bomet), Maureen Mutinda(Nominated), Margaret Kamar (Nominated), Mohamed Faki(Mombasa) and Ledama ole Kina(Narok) will be presented for approval by the House to join the Senate Business Committee.

Speaker Kingi will be presenting a message from President Ruto on the nomination of Dr Susan Koech for appointment as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya and nomination of Emily Waita, John Kioli, Umar Omar and Dr George Outa to the National Climate Change Council.

[email protected]