Raila, Ruto wars paralyse business in Parliament

By Peter Opiyo and Alex Ndegwa

The ODM infighting between Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Agriculture Minister William Ruto spilled to Parliament, paralysing House business.

The wrangling between the two political allies-turned-political rivals boiled over when a new list of the powerful House Business Committee was tabled.

Mr Ruto’s allies dramatically opposed their party’s replacement of Ruto with party chairman Henry Kosgey in one of four changes. A section of ODM members see the move as an attempt to crack down on dissent in the party.

The party wrangles saw business on the first day of the Tenth Parliament’s Fourth session stall, a day after President Kibaki told the House in his opening speech to avoid partisan politics and focus on the numerous Bills they need to pass.

ODM also replaced Raila in the committee, a move that is perceived as an attempt by the PM to avert a showdown in the House with Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka over the leadership of Government Business in Parliament.

Traditionally, the leader of Government Business has been a member of HBC and PNU has made no secret of its plot to capitalise on the falling out in ODM to install Mr Kalonzo to the position.

Yesterday’s intrigues caused the deferring of confirmation of the nominees to HBC, a powerful committee that sets Parliament’s agenda.

The House cannot transact any business until the committee is constituted.

Instructively Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto, a key ally of the Eldoret North MP, who said there were no consultations in the preparation of the list, moved the adjournment Motion. After the Motion was put to a vote, those in favour won 71 against 55.

Raila is to be replaced by Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o. Charles Onyancha of Bonchari takes over from Nyaribari-Chache MP Robert Monda, while North Horr MP Chachu Ganya was replaced with Moyale MP Mohamed Ali.

Although some PNU members also joined in the opposition, even though there were no changes to the party representatives, the split in the Orange party seemed to have fueled the rebellion.

Balala for Ruto

Among those who voted for Ruto’s Motion was Tourism Minister Najib Balala. Mr Balala has accused his party of taking on a ‘dictatorial’ trend and together with Ruto differed with Raila. The list first ran into trouble in the morning with opponents saying parties had not been consulted.

The joint Government Chief Whip George Thuo was forced to withdraw the Motion to facilitate dialogue after members protested that there was no consultation on the list.

But Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim, citing House rules, said Mr Thuo as the mover could not withdraw the Motion since it was the property of the House. Given the situation, Turkana Central MP Ekwee Ethuro sought leave of the House to withdraw the Motion.

During the afternoon session, the same list was re-introduced by Joint Government Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo and seconded by Thuo, prompting outrage.

This happened as Heritage Minister William ole Ntimama accused some MPs of "intention to break ODM and other parties as well".

All the replacements were from ODM. The PNU list was unchanged.

Speaking in Kisumu, Ruto said the decision to delete his name from the House Business Committee was unfortunate and there should have been consultations.

"We should use the various party organs to resolve issues. We should exhibit political maturity," he said.

ODM held a Parliamentary Group meeting after the House adjourned in the morning, and endorsed the same list that was later re-introduced in the afternoon.

But Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara said the list did not comply with Standing Orders since political parties were not indicated against the names and that there were no consultations among political parties.

Speaker Kenneth Marende said the House recognised the two lists forwarded and that it was presumptive that there was consultation.

He further argued the names of political parties needed not be necessarily indicated. "The names of the parties are not necessary because there is no express position in the Standing Orders that parties must be named," said Mr Marende.

Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo opposed the Motion, saying as the ODM-Kenya Whip he was not consulted. His party is in a coalition with PNU.

At this point the Chepalungu MP moved a Motion for adjournment to allow for consultation. Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’ opposed the adjournment Motion, arguing that once the Whips bring the list it is presumed that it is a product of consultation. "This House cannot supervise political parties; it is the parties to supervise themselves," said Mr Kajwang’. Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo shared his position.

Kimilili MP Eseli Simiyu in opposing the Motion said "continuous haggling by the House was disrupting its business".

Prof Nyong’o differed with Balala who argued there was no consultation in ODM. Said Nyong’o in reference to ODM MPs who did not attend yesterday’s meeting: "When you consent to a meeting you must also consent to the consequences of the meeting. The House should be aware of the dictatorship by the minority."

Information Assistant Minister George Khaniri accused Ruto of not attending the ODM meeting yesterday, a point Gwassi MP, John Mbadi confirmed but said he sent an apology as he was attending a PSC meeting with the Committee of Experts.