Speaker urges MPs to bear ‘small price’ at Old Chambers

By Beauttah Omanga

Some MP might have to debate while standing when Parliament resumes today.

Speaker Kenneth Marende said the Old Chambers could only accommodate 200 MPs.

"It is unfortunate that if all MPs show up at any given session, some will have to stand since there won’t be seats for them," said the Speaker.

He went on: "That will be the small price they will have to pay as the main chamber undergoes renovations".

Even if not all MPs are expected in the House today, a big turnout is expected during Thursday’s budget speech.

President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka are expected to attend the budget speech.

Parliament still faces a challenge over sitting arrangement since besides the President and MPs, diplomats are also invited for the speech.

The refurbishment is expected to take roughly a year.