Senators in new war front with National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi

Senators have registered their frustrations in undertaking their legislative work and accused National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi of sidelining the Senate.

The senators faulted Attorney General Githu Muigai, Mr Muturi and the Executive for conspiring to deny the Senate its constitutional role to consider bills touching on counties. Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki found himself on the receiving end, when he tried to shift the blame to Speakers Ekwee Ethuro (Senate) and Muturi.

Otieno Kajwang' (Homa Bay) said there is a perceived personal relationship between Muturi and President Uhuru Kenyatta and the same chemistry does not apply to Ethuro.

“This is why Senate matters do not proceed. If what is within the law is not being enforced, we can go back to the Supreme Court on all the bills,” he said.

The heated debate was sparked by Billow Kerrow (Mandera) who sought to establish why the Mining Bill, 2014 was sent for presidential assent without Senate's input.

Prof Kindiki said he wrote to the President, urging him not to sign the Bill. The senators, while acknowledging his efforts in ensuring the bill is not assented to, said he is also part of the problem.

“The speakers and Majority leader are all Jubilee members, they are supposed to satisfy all involved including opposition. You are the headache,” said J J Kariuki (Laikipai).