MPs launch bid over degree requirement

By STEVE MKAWALE

MPs have launched a fresh bid to let colleagues without university degrees defend their seats in the General Election.

In a desperate move to reverse a decision they made in Parliament last Thursday, the MPs have signed up a petition urging President Kibaki not to assent to the Statue Law (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill.

An amendment to the Elections Act barring parliamentary aspirants without university degrees from contesting the seats has infuriated a section of MPs.

The Standard On Sunday yesterday established that more than 50 MPs have appended their signature on the petition being circulated by Cabinet minister Naomi Shaban and Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo.

Last year, Kilonzo was among MPs who voted against a similar requirement, which was defeated.

But this week, he changed tune to lead calls to impose a degree as minimum qualifications for entry into Parliament.

It is unclear what has prompted him to again make a U-turn to rally members to rescind the decision. Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto, one of the lawmakers who have signed the petition, said they had resorted to seeking the help of the Executive after realising the matter was now beyond them.

“I am among those who have signed the petition, but I do not think it will make much difference now since the matter is beyond us.

We had our chance in Parliament and the majority won,” said Ruto, who was opposed to the amendment proposed by Transport Minister Amos Kimunya.

Ruto on Friday maintained that the move would turn Parliament into what he termed “a senior common room” for dons and not a house of representatives.

“Parliament should be a house of representatives regardless of academic qualifications,” said Ruto.