No cocktail for MPs as Covid-19 spoils party in near-empty House

In a break from tradition, there were no cocktails at the end of Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani’s Budget statement yesterday, an indication of the tough times brought about by the Cocid-19 pandemic.

In a light-hearted moment at the end of the speech, Speaker Justin Muturi informed MPs that the usual refreshments -- mandazi, juice and soda -- usually served at the Parliament parking area would not be available, and politely asked them to leave at their own pleasure. The session often provides an opportunity for light talk and a chance for journalists to interact with MPs and seek their reactions to the Budget speech.