Parliament proceedings will continue with or without NASA MPs, Speaker Muturi says

National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi addressing the press during the induction of Parliamentary committee chairpersons at the Serena Hotel in Mombasa County on Wednesday 4th October 2017. [Photo/Kelvin Karani]

Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi has defended changes to the electoral laws promoted by Jubilee Party saying the proposals are constitutional.

He also warned NASA MPs against boycotting the legislature.

Muturi said he will not bend to NASA boycott of the assembly and laws made and business transacted will be deemed lawful even if the opposition does not participate.

“It is with the constitution for parliament to amend laws not only electoral bills but any other bills deemed fit for Kenyans,” said Muturi in Mombasa when he opened a two-day national assembly induction of members of the Chairpersons panel at Serena Hotel, Mombasa. Deputy Speaker Moses Cheboi was also present.

“My duty was to approve the tabling of the electoral law bill and leave the rest to members of parliament to discuss and adopt it before the President assents to it,” said the Speaker.

The Speaker said parliament proceedings will continue uninterrupted with or without NASA’s participation.

“When the law says parliament businesses will be transacted when there is quorum, it does not mean that opposition members must be present,” said Muturi.

“If opposition MPs choose not to participate in any proceedings in parliament, this does not affect our daily businesses. As parliament, we are not interested in political contestation,” warned Muturi.

 Muturi said parliament laws have been adjusted to bring sobriety in parliament.

“I urge MPs to exercise restrain during debates as the new house rules incorporate graduated sanctions for disorderly conduct. Heavy penalties will be imposed on disorderly MPs, which shall include withholding of salaries, fines and three month suspension among other penalties,” said the Speaker.

Muturi said the Committee of Powers and Privileges has reviewed the Privileges Law to incorporate options for fines, especially on damage of property and most importantly that a member can be removed from office for ‘demeaning the office of an MP’.

“Some MPs like earning some political glory by getting entangled in the debates just to be sent out of the chamber. This will come with heavy penalties,” warned the speaker.