Former PM Raila Odinga makes suprise visit to Senate

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga has told Parliament to respect court rulings, reiterating it is the responsibility of the Judiciary to determine whether a case is constitutional or not.

Raila said this after making a surprise visit to the Senate in the middle of a debate to form an ad hoc committee to scrutinise cases pending in court.

The Opposition leader's unexpected arrival in the Chamber caused a stir, prompting Senator Boni Khalwale (Kakamega) to bring to the attention of Deputy Speaker Kembi Gitura (Murang'a) his debut visit.

Mr Kembi acknowledged the former premier's presence.

"It is an honour for the former Prime Minister to be with senators for the very first time. We welcome him to be part of us and to follow the House proceedings to establish if it befits the House of the Senate," he said.

Later, Raila downplayed perceived wrangles between the three arms of Government, arguing they are part of obvious teething problems in the implementation of the Constitution.

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He cautioned speakers Ekwe Ethuro (Senate) and Justin Muturi (National Assembly) against disobeying court orders.

"This is a recipe for anarchy. The House leadership must abide by the law. The ultimate position is that serious cases end up in court filed by all institutions and therefore they must also respect the court orders," he reiterated.

He faulted Mr Muturi on his declaration that he will disregard court orders. Raila argued that whichever way the leaders interpret the orders, they must also seek advisory and ruling from the same courts.

He recalled his presidential petition, which the Supreme Court ruled in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s favour, admitting that despite not agreeing with the judgement, he was compelled to abide by it.

"The determination of the court, which is now referred to as the historical judgement, we did not agree with but respected.

"If we acted contrary, we could have witnessed the worst bloodshed with rival contesting opinions. It was in the interest of the country," Raila affirmed.

He urged the legislature to exercise restraint when faulting the Judiciary for interfering with its work.