County assembly speakers from Western region have dismissed a proposal made by former premier Raila Odinga that vernacular languages be used in assemblies.
Raila while addressing the Editors' Guild in Nairobi on Wednesday argued that the practice is used globally.
However, speakers from across regions who spoke separately to The Standard disagreed with the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leader, claiming it not only undermines the Constitution but also the members of the county assemblies (MCAs).
Nyamira Speaker Joash Nyamoko said the concept is ill-advised and should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves. "Raila is underestimating the intellectual capacity of MCAs and their competences in discharging their mandate," said Mr Nyamoko.
His sentiments were supported by his Vihiga counterpart Daniel Chitwa, who said the proposal is untenable, questioning how cosmopolitan counties will be communicating. "How will members understand a language that is different from theirs? Maybe there should be a slight improvement in education standards countrywide," said Chitwa.
Tall order
The proposal had once been floated in 2013 by Kakamega Speaker Maurice Buluma, who wanted the Constitution amended to allow members to deliberate in the Luhya language.
He had argued that some MCAs may not be able to express themselves well in either Swahili or English.
Mr Buluma, who did not back track on what he said two years ago, now feels vindicated, stating that when he suggested the same at the commencement of the county assemblies; he was vilified. "Our system borrows from the South African one and that is the practice there," he said.
According to the Standing Orders under clause 73 (1), all proceedings of the county assembly shall be conducted in Kiswahili, English or in Kenyan sign language.
Under 73 (2), a member who begins a speech in any of the languages provided for under paragraph (1) shall continue in the same language until the conclusion of the member's speech. There is no provision for vernacular language.
Siaya Speaker George Okode said use of vernacular language would be unconstitutional and a tall order to implement.
"Anyone desiring to change this will be required to amend the Constitution, which will not be easy to accomplish currently," said Mr Okode.
His Homa Bay counterpart Samuel Ochilo termed the proposal as inappropriate. He stated that assemblies are bodies guided by the Constitution.
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