Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 11 February 2025
Sen. Onyonka highlighted the lack of dedicated oversight funds for Senators and called for rotational Senate committee membership, while also critiquing the current funding mechanisms for MPs, MCAs and women representatives. The Temporary Speaker shifted the discussion to recent political coalition realignments, urging honest constitutional interpretation and warning against partisan convenience. The debate combined constructive proposals with sharp criticism of party politics and governance practices. Senators repeatedly condemned Governor Mutahi Kahiga for insulting the Maasai community, urging respect, unity and condemning divisive politics. The debate also touched on the work of the Senate Business Committee and expressed support for pending legislation such as the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood) Bill and the Civic Education Bill. Procedural interjections and calls for further deliberation were noted throughout the session. The Senate debated the creation of a Senate Business Committee to foster a more cooperative relationship with the National Assembly, with the Temporary Speaker warning that many bills die in the Assembly and urging remedial action. Members broadly supported the motion, discussed procedural matters such as quorum, division scheduling, and the need for a stable devolution fund, and noted shifting party alignments. The debate combined criticism of current legislative bottlenecks with constructive proposals for improved coordination and oversight.
Order, Senators! I do not know what the excitement this afternoon is all about. Clerk, can you confirm whether we have quorum? Kindly read out Order No.1. Members, let us get to business.
Hon. Senators, as you may recall, in the past week the Senate held a Midterm Assessment and Planning Retreat for the Fourth Session with the theme “Shaping the Senate’s Legacy: Reflections, Strategies and the Path Forward.” The objectives of the event were inter alia to review its performance in legislative and committee business over the past three sessions; identify best practices and challenge…
We each have a duty to assert ourselves in the process, ensure that the resources at both levels of government are shared equitably and used prudently. I urge that we do just that. Hon. Senators, this Message is a bit long. Please, take seats just near where you are standing.
[(Applause)]
[(Loud consultations)]
Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.
Can you give Notice of the Motion?
[(Loud consultations)]
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, kindly guide the House to some order because we can barely follow what is happening.
[(Sen. Orwoba stood in her place)]
Sen. Orwoba, could you take your seat?
It has been taken.
[(Laughter)]
What did you say that I do?
I said that you proceed and give Notice of the Motion.
This is a Motion on approval of Senators to serve in the SBC. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to give Notice of the following Motion– THAT pursuant to Standing Order Nos.190 and 199 (3) , the Senate approves the following Senators nominated to serve in the Senate Business Committee for the Fourth Session, in addition to the Speaker of the Senate, who pursuant to Standing Order No.190 (1) (a) , sh…
Let us go to the next Order.
There is a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.
There can be no point of order when a Member is giving Notice of a Motion. At least you should be aware of that. Next Order.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to move the following Motion–
THAT pursuant to Standing Order Nos.190 and 199(3), the Senate approves the following Senators nominated to serve in the Senate Business Committee for the Fourth Session, in addition to the Speaker of the Senate, who pursuant to Standing Order No.190(1)(a), shall be the Chairperson of the Committee, the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, the Senate Majority Whip and the Senate Min…
[(Laughter)]
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise to strongly support this Motion, but wish to seek--- Sorry, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me swallow my words. I rise to strongly second this Motion. Before I give reasons why I am seconding it, I seek your protection. I have been thrown out of my position, where I usually sit.
[(Loud consultations)]
[(Laughter)]
Proceed and second the Motion. I will protect you.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, looking at the composition of the distinguished Senators who have found their way---
There is a point or order from Sen. Okong’o Omogeni.
[(Interruption of debate on Motion)]
Hon. Senators, this is the conclusion of the business of the day and there being no other business on the Order Paper, the Senate, therefore, stands adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, 12th February 2025, at 9.30 a.m. The Senate rose at 6.04 p.m.