Coalition for Reforms and Democracy divided on President Uhuru's speech

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy was a divided house following a decision by some MPs not to attend the President's ICC address.

Despite the hype generated by a message requesting the MPs to boycott the session, those who attended claimed there had been no party position on the matter.

Both ODM and Wiper MPs, who attended the address, said they had done so in their individual capacities.

"I know of no party position on the issue. Neither ODM nor CORD which I co-chair decided against attending the session. Whatever decision was reached happened outside party organs," said Kitui Senator David Musila.

Wilbur Otichilo (Emuhaya) said: "I have not gone against my party position on anything since there was none in the first place. As an MP, I'm answerable to the Speaker. According to our Constitution, the Speaker can recall members for any special case. I simply responded to my boss' call."

Funyula MP Paul Otuoma also expressed similar sentiments. "There was a gazette notice recalling Parliament form recess. There was nothing clear on the matter from the party," he said.

Among those who gave the event a wide berth were National Assembly Minority Leader Francis Nyenze and his Senate counterpart Moses Wetang'ula. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale also skipped the session.

Interestingly, Peter Kaluma, who had vowed to boycott the sitting was present. He said he later changed his position after carefully reading the article of the Constitution which had necessitated the recall.

"After carefully reading article 132 (1), I decided that there was nothing wrong in me attending the session," he said.