Kenyan Members of Parliament in crucial race for self-preservation

This afternoon could prove crucial for Members of Parliament as they vote on three legislative items likely to perpetuate the narrative of self-preservation long associated with the country's political class.

They will vote on two constitutional bills close to their hearts and a motion, whose import is key to the survival of the 11th Parliament.

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (No 1) of 2015 has the effect of extending the term of the current Parliament for three more months, while the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (No 2) of 2015 will cushion MPs against any form of litigation on comments or actions in or outside the House 'in the performance of their parliamentary duties'.

The bill seeks to stop the Judiciary from interfering with the National Assembly's legislative processes.

The do-or-die motion on the extension seeks to extend the deadline for the passage of over 30 constitutional bills, whose fate has MPs on tenterhooks.

Failure to enact the bills before the August 27 deadline would be akin to committing political suicide as it could set in motion the process to dissolve the House.

And as the possibility of losing their seats is too ugly for any MP in the 11th Parliament to stomach, they have organised an informal meeting this morning, where they will be whipped into line to ensure the motion to approve the extension is approved.

The influential House Business Committee has arranged today's order paper to ensure that soon after MPs pass the motion on the extension, the members will still be in the House to vote on the constitutional amendment bills, which require a two thirds majority.