CORD slams Muturi on House agenda

By JAMES MBAKA

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has turned its heat on the National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi accusing him of frustrating its legislative agenda.

CORD at the same time called for the immediate withdrawal of the draconian Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2013  to stop the tracks of what they termed as the ‘Jubilee dragon.’

They said the oppressive media Bill that has been greeted with uproar as an affront to the vibrant media was a conception of the Jubilee Government whose delivery the Speaker aided.

The country’s main opposition entity praised the High Court for suspending the tribunal set up President Uhuru Kenyatta to investigate the Judicial Service Commission.

On its legislative agenda, CORD said Mr Muturi had consistently failed to measure up to the expectations of an impartial speaker in the handling and conduct of House business, alleging he had ganged up with the ruling coalition to trample and strangle the vibrancy of opposition.

Addressing the Press at Orange House after holding a CORD Parliamentary Group meeting, CORD lamented that Muturi was deliberately shunning the coalition’s most powerful voices from making contributions during debates.

In a statement read by Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu, CORD alleged a plot by the Jubilee administration to muzzle opposition through the Speaker by ensuring that its strong members who articulate issues coherently and powerfully do not get an opportunity to speak in the House.

 “CORD is in a precarious position with the Jubilee juggernauts who have ganged up to rope in the Speaker to frustrate our legislative agenda in Parliament,” Dr Eseli said.

The coalition said such dirty legislative antics were responsible for the passage of the draconian Information and Communication (Amendment) Bill, 2013, which they asked to be withdrawn immediately and any further debate stopped.

CORD said President Kenyatta’s memorandum to the House on the Bill is yet another attempt to restore Government control over the media.

The coalition said it will not allow a change to the fundamental nature, structure and framework of the State by the Jubilee administration especially the Bill of Rights.