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The Nairobian

MPs now fight to join betting probe committee

Politics

By Moses Njagih | Aug 05, 2016

Minority leader in the National Assembly Francis Nyenze.

Debate on a motion seeking to regulate the multi-billion betting industry divided the National Assembly Thursday evening.

At one point it triggered a clash between Majority Leader Aden Duale and his minority counterpart Francis Nyenze.

Mr Nyenze, who had earlier disowned the motion insisting that it was not sponsored by his CORD coalition as presented in the House, questioned the much interest that the motion had attracted to the extent that the coalition leaders were extra keen to be members of the select committee to look into the matter.

The Kitui West MP said it was "suspicious" that the leadership of the House, who hardly have time to participate in committee meetings, were now fixing themselves to be members of the committee to look into the ways of regulating betting companies.

"We have never seen the Majority leader in any committee. What is this that is making him and other House leaders want to put their names in this committee? I know gambling has a lot of money and my gut feeling is telling me to smell a rat," said Nyenze.

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He added: "I have seen a lot of interests in this motion. Surprisingly, something that can be handled by our departmental committee is now to be handled by a select team. There are interests here and that is why Nyenze is being viciously attacked."

The Minority Leader instead proposed the reconstitution of the committee membership.

The motion moved by Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo lists him and Duale as the proposed co-chairs of the 13-member select committee.

Muhoroni MP James Oyoo also claimed that it was suspicious that of the 13 committee members, six were in the leadership of the House, which also includes chairmen of committees.

His claim that there could be some angling for the billions controlled by the betting companies was cut short when Speaker Justin Muturi cautioning him against imputing improper motives on the proposed members of the committee.

On his part, Mr Duale blasted Nyenze for disowning the motion, accusing him of abdicating his responsibilities in the House by failing to attend the crucial House Business Committee, chaired by the speaker and where the business of the House is prioritised.

Duale even called on CORD to replace Nyenze with Midiwo, who has often been representing the coalition in many house businesses.