PNU is not party to Motion seeking removal of PSC team, Kiraitu says

By Martin Mutua

The controversy surrounding a Motion seeking the removal of Parliamentary Service Commissioners has now turned into a battle between Party of National Unity (PNU) and Orange Democratic Party (ODM).

And Friday, the PNU distanced itself from the Motion, which has been filed by Gwasi MP John Mbadi (ODM), saying it was not party to it.

PNU Secretary General Kiraitu Murungi said the issue of revoking the appointment of the PSC commissioners was "unconstitutional" and the party would not support it.

"The party wishes to reiterate that it has full confidence on its nominees to the Parliamentary Service Commission," Kiraitu said in statement he issued Friday.

The move by PNU now means ODM has been left on its own to front for the Motion and PNU would not allow them to touch its nominees.

Currently, the parties share equally the ten slots in PSC of four members. ODM-K has two slots.

Sources told The Standard On Saturday the move to kick out the PSC commissioners was a ploy by ODM to replace members allied to Eldoret North MP William Ruto. They are Kuresoi MP Zakayo Cheruiyot and Nambale MP Chris Okemo.

The party is also required to fill the position left vacant by Kapenguria MP Julius Murgor ,who was recently appointed to the Cabinet as an Assistant minister.

Other members of the powerful commission chaired by House Speaker Kenneth Marende include Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka in his capacity as the Leader of Government Business.

Former Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati who recently lost his seat through an election petition and has been the Vice Chairman has since been replaced in an acting capacity by Wajir West MP Adan Keynan. The seat is reserved for ODM-K.

Other PNU MPs are Joseph Lekuton, Peter Mwathi and Jamleck Kamau. Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch is the other ODM MP in the commission.

PNU’s reaction comes hot on the heels following a story exclusively carried on Thursday by our sister paper The Standard in which a section of MPs were reported to be up in arms against the Parliamentary Service Commission, the body that runs the affairs of the National Assembly. And the MPs are said to have filed a Motion with the Speaker seeking to have all the commissioners replaced. They accused members of nepotism in carrying out of their duties.

Sources had told The Standard On Saturday that Mr Mbadi would be moving the Motion when Parliament reconvenes next week in order to have all the ten commissioners replaced.

Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo confirmed reports about the intended Motion, saying it was being supported by majority of members. "What we have now is that commissioners are practicing nepotism in the employment of workers in the House and nothing is done above board and this is a major cause of concern among members," Kilonzo said.