National Assembly · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 11 February 2025
The Speaker rebuked Hon. Peter Salasya over alleged phone streaming and accusations of dishonesty, while members debated the court ruling that determines the parliamentary majority coalition. Hon. Robert Mbui and others argued that coalition composition should follow the Registrar of Political Parties and warned against frequent party‑switching, emphasizing procedural delays and the need for clarity on majority versus minority status. The exchange was marked by tension over parliamentary authority and conduct. The Speaker reiterated parliamentary rules, especially prohibiting personal attacks on judges, and opened the floor for points of order. Hon. Junet Mohamed used the opportunity to argue that the Majority Party’s leader need not be the ruling party’s executive, warning of a potential constitutional crisis and citing foreign democratic practices. The exchange highlighted procedural enforcement alongside a contentious debate over party leadership and constitutional norms. Members of the National Assembly delivered heartfelt tributes to Ms Anne Wambui Njoroge on her retirement as Director of Hansard and Audio Services, lauding her decades‑long dedication, mentorship of parliamentarians, and role in ensuring accurate parliamentary records. The speeches also touched on the broader issue of women’s representation in senior parliamentary positions, urging greater inclusion. Overall, the debate was celebratory and appreciative of her legacy.
Hon. Members, congratulations. We have quorum to transact business. For the first time, we are not ringing the Quorum Bell.
[(Laughter)]
[(Loud consultations)]
Hon. Members, I wish to welcome you back to the house for the Fourth Session of the 13th Parliament. I trust that you had a restful and joyous Christmas and New Year break and that you also took the opportunity to engage with constituents on key development matters. I am confident that you are well rejuvenated and ready to embark on the business that is ahead of us this session, which marks the mi…
On a point of order.
No. Members in the walkway, take the nearest seats. Hon. Nabuin, take the nearest seat.
[(Several Members stood along the walkway)]
[(Hon. Paul Nabuin walked into the Chamber)]
[(Loud consultations)]
peace, prosperity and welfare of our country and those whose interests have been committed to our charge. In recognition of Members' commitment to live up to the philosophy of our prayer when serving the nation, the Parliamentary Honours Advisory Committee has been regularly making recommendations to the President regarding Members of this House who ought to be conferred honours in accordance wit…
[(Applause)]
[(Applause)]
become the Speaker of Baringo County Assembly and later came back as the Member of Parliament for Baringo North. Is it Tiaty Constituency now? Give Hon. Kamket a microphone.
[(Loud consultations)]
Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker and Members. Indeed, it is a great honour to have an opportunity to pay tribute to my former boss, Ms Anne Njoroge. I joined Parliament as a Hansard Reporter in February 1997. Immediately, I was thrown into the deep end of Hansard reporting. However, I was lucky to have a very dedicated, humble and determined public officer who trained me. She is Ms Anne Njoroge.
[(Hon. Robert Mbui consulted loudly)]
Order, Hon. Robert Mbui. You would love to give Ms Anne Njoroge this day if she were your sister, mother, cousin or wife. Go on, Kamket.
Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Ms Anne Njoroge is a very dedicated officer. Therefore, that Box called the Hansard Box is very familiar to me. I served in that Box for a very long time under the guidance of that very humble and hardworking public servant. I am very proud to be a product of her guidance. That Hansard Box has produced not only me but, also, the Member for Matungu, Hon. Peter Oscar Nabulin…
Thank you. Wind up.
I wish my colleague and former boss, Ms Njoroge, the very best in her life as she retires. The Box there, the Hansard Box, is a great Box. To all the officers of Parliament who have worked in other departments and those who have made it to be Members of Parliament, everybody has a chance in life to be a leader in this country.
Ms Anne Wambui Njoroge is a great person. She is a great woman. I will forever be grateful to her as the person she mentored into the great Member of Parliament I believe I am today.
Thank you. he second and last tribute to Ms Njoroge is from Hon. Owen Baya, who will represent the constituency from which she came from, before she joined the Parliamentary Service.
Today, I rise to salute a distinguished public officer, Ms Anne Wambui Njoroge, who has recently retired from her position as the Director of Hansard and Audio Services in the National Assembly. Ms Njoroge's journey in the Public Service began on 7th October 1991, when she was first appointed as a Hansard Reporter II in the Hansard Department. Her dedication and commitment saw her rise through th…
Hon. Members, can we have a foot thumping for Ms Njoroge?
[(Prolonged applause)]
Thank you. Ms Anne, we wish you well in your remaining productive years in public life. May God give you guidance and protection. Next Order.
On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.
Yes.
Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I would like to wish all the Members a happy new year. I congratulate all the Members who were awarded and Ms Anne for her amazing work for Parliament. My concern as a woman leader is that when we have a woman rising to that level, there would be another woman who will either go that high or to a level almost as high. Women are usually not …
[(An Hon. Member spoke off the record)]
Order, Hon. Millie, take your seat. I know you saw me in my Chamber and indicated that you would raise a matter, which you are trying to. I will give you an opportunity, but let us finish with some preliminaries first. Clerks-at-the-Table. Order, Hon. Wanjala.
[(Hon. Raphael Wanjala consulted loudly)]
The Deputy Leader of the Majority Party.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table:
[(Loud consultations)]
Order! Order! Take your seats. Order. I order that matter to be stayed. Let me hear Hon. Millie Odhiambo’s point of order. Order. I will hear your point of order.
[(Laying of Papers deferred)]
[(Applause)]
Two, as expected, we will not sit tomorrow morning. This is because we have no House Business Committee to prioritise or programme Business for the House and therefore, you have a free morning. We will assemble at 2.30 p.m. I will try to burn the midnight oil, with the Clerks-at-the-Table and lawyers, to sift through what all of you have said today. I will then advise you accordingly, tomorrow aft…
you do it in good faith, I will take it. However, if you do it maliciously, of course, then it begs that I will deal with you.
[(Laughter)]
Hon. Members, the time being 6.25 p.m., the House stands adjourned until tomorrow, 12th February 2025, at 2.30 p.m. The House rose at 6.25 p.m.
Published by Clerk of the National Assembly Parliament Buildings Nairobi