Oburu Oginga dismisses Uhuru power handover as MPs praise move

The debate over President Uhuru Kenyatta's move to face his accusers at the International Criminal Court entered the second day with majority of members applauding the Head of State.

This came as MPs raised queries over what they termed the drama of installing Deputy President William Ruto as acting President.

Some lawmakers, especially those allied to the Opposition, said while the decision to face the court showed the President's obedience to the law, the whole pomp surrounding the parliamentary address and handover of power to his deputy was unnecessary.

"The reason I call that (handover) incident a ploy is because real power was not handed over to him. If Ruto or his supporters thought that Ruto was president, then they were thoroughly deceived. If he had the power, he'd have been sworn in as president," said Dr Oburu Oginga (nominated).

The MP added: "The President carried his presidency to The Hague, and the deputy president stayed and acted as he should have done as prescribed in the Constitution. Having those pikipikis (motorcycles) riding in your motorcade does not mean you are a president."

And the chorus on the President's "humility, statesmanship, sovereignty and subservience to international obligations" continued. MPs also asked President Kenyatta and the Jubilee administration to make sure the plight of victims is addressed, and that "real reconciliation" takes place.

Take advantage

But others such as James Nyikal (Seme) said all those who were excited about the President's trip ought to read the Constitution. He said it was not important for Uhuru to recall Parliament just to announce he was obeying the Constitution.

"Was it really necessary to have Parliament called back for this. This would have been done well on a news item at one o'clock or seven o'clock or an address to the media from State House. But I know the President is a very good politician and he took advantage to have the House recalled to play his politics," said Nyikal.

Jared Opiyo (Awendo) said the huge delegation that accompanied the President to The Hague had embarrassed the House.

But, Meru's Florence Kajuju said the President did well to dodge the inevitable arrest warrants that were waiting for him if he had failed to honour the ICC summons.

"The DP demonstrated that he is a man of honour. The country was calm, it was secure when the President was away," said Kajuju.