G7 now seeks to table papers alleging UK, ICC conspiracy

MPs allied to G7 Alliance blocked the adjournment of Parliament to prepare debate memos they allege show a conspiracy by the British and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Parliament was set to adjourn last night, according to an itinerary issued by the House Business Committee, which plans Parliament’s programme, and resume on April 10, having been recalled early on February 15 to pass laws.

However, there were indications that Parliament, which is dominated by supporters of two ICC suspects was up to some alternative plan as Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale, Belgut MP Charles Keter and Konoin MP Julius Kones said they need time to discuss this matter which they described as "urgent" and touching on "Kenya’s sovereignty".

They hatched a plot to defeat a Motion of adjournment in order to sit next week after Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim thwarted their attempt to discuss officials of the British government and ICC president named in the alleged memos.

Farah cited rules of Parliament that say "Parliament cannot discuss the conduct of officials of "a friendly state" without first preparing a substantive Motion for that purpose, at-least three days before debate.

Documents

Therefore going by Farah’s ruling G7 has invented a new logic by which they will most likely abide by the deputy Speaker’s ruling and trigger a debate on the Kenyan Prime Minister and the memos next week.

Early Thursday the MPs circulated the documents later tabled by Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo and Aden Duale in Parliament and caught other legislators unaware when they suddenly began to unleash them. But the documents were not really accidental given that they emerged on the day a ministerial statement sought by Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa was to be delivered Thursday by Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula.

"Mr Speaker a serious matter has been raised touching on our sovereignty. It must be discussed," said Kones as he opposed the adjournment Motion raised by Transport Minister Amos Kimunya.

Stories by David Ochami, Steve Mkawale and Peter Opiyo

"We must discuss it," he declared to echo remarks by Keter, who said Parliament ought to discuss the memos.

Keter also claimed he was opposing the proposed adjournment because "Parliament is not in a hurry" to pass defective laws.

Turkana Central MP Ekwe Ethuro also opposed the Motion saying there were urgent security issues in Northern Kenya that Parliament needs to discuss before adjourning.

Clement Wambugu of Mathioya also opposed the Motion that was supported only by Jakoyo Midiwo of Gem, besides Mr Kimunya and Assistant minister Orwa Ojode.