Applause as VP reappointed Leader of Government Business

By Beauttah Omanga

Members of Parliament have welcomed the reappointment of Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka as Leader of Government Business.

At the same time, the VP, who is in China on official duty, welcomed the move and promised teamwork. Sources told The Standard President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga reached the deal after a meeting at Harambee House on Monday.

Raila, the sources said, gave up his party’s claim on the seat, arguing there was consultation on the matter, unlike before, when his party, which enjoys majority MPs in Parliament, was ignored.

Observers said the PM is busy, and would hardly have time to attend to the office’s schedules.

Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo and Assistant Minister Lang’at Magerer said the move by Kibaki was welcome. Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale termed the move timely.

"Kenyans want a united Parliament that can fast put in place relevant legislations to see the new Constitution implemented," said Mr Mutula.

Mr Magerer, the Energy Assistant Minister, said the decision was made after an agreement to take the reform agenda through the House forward. "It is a good move, as we have to move on united and capable of bringing forth necessary laws," said Magerer.

Dr Khalwale said: "It is a huge relief... All that we want the Leader of Government Business to do is ensure all ministers attend Parliament and help take the country forward."

Speaking to The Standard from China, Kalonzo said his reappointment was a reflection of the Grand Coalition Government’s unity of purpose to deliver reforms as demonstrated through the last referendum.

"It will be a challenging role under the current circumstances, but I look forward to working well with the Speaker, whips, and MPs," he said.

Kalonzo said the Tenth Parliament had a date with the country’s history to entrench a new constitutional dispensation, and actualise the rebirth of the second republic.