Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 16 July 2024
Sen. Veronica Maina urged the Senate to pass amendments to the Succession Act that would curb estate intermeddling, protect vulnerable children and widows/widowers, and ensure gender‑neutral inheritance rights. She highlighted the need for equal treatment of sons and daughters, spouses upon remarriage, and extended relatives up to the sixth degree, arguing that the reforms reflect progressive court rulings and will improve estate distribution. The debate combined criticism of current patriarchal provisions with strong support for the proposed changes. Sen. Manzo highlighted the complex and often unresolved issues surrounding succession, estate inheritance and the interplay with community land and customary practices, citing recent cases and the loss of a key judge. He expressed support for the proposed legislation but urged detailed scrutiny and expert input to address varied scenarios such as cohabitation, widow remarriage and cross‑community claims. The overall tone was constructive yet cautious, emphasizing the need for case‑by‑case jurisprudence. Senator Wambua questioned several provisions of the proposed Marriage Property Bill, seeking clarity on the definition of a child, the treatment of step‑children, and the effect of remarriage on surviving spouses’ rights. He highlighted potential conflicts with existing wills and warned that the legislation might encourage marriage for wealth acquisition, urging thorough public participation. Overall, he called for careful refinement before the Bill is enacted.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Clerk, do we have quorum now? You may now stop the Bell. Clerk, proceed to call the first Order, please.
[(The Clerk-at-the Table consulted with the Speaker)]
Senate Majority Leader, proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, 16th July, 2024- The Annual Report of the Parliamentary Service Commission for the Financial Year 2022/2023.
[(Sen. Cheruiyot laid the document on the Table)]
Next Order, Clerk.
Sen. Methu, is not here. That Statement is dropped. Next Order. Order No.8 is deferred.
[(Statement Dropped)]
[(The Clerk-at-the Table consulted with the Speaker)]
That Order is deferred.
That Order is deferred.
That Order is deferred.
Next Order. (The Clerk-at-the Table consulted the Speaker) Second Reading
Proceed, Chairperson Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am not ready yet.
What do you by mean you are not ready yet?
I just got the paper.
It is your Order. You submitted it to Senate Business Committee (SBC) , and the SBC has listed it for prosecution. Do you want to defer your business?
Yes. The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) : That Order is deferred. Let us move to the next Order. Second Reading
Sen. Miraj is not here. That Order is deferred. Next Order, Clerk. Second Reading
Sen. (Dr.) Murango is not here. That Order is deferred. Next Order. Sen. Veronica Maina. Second Reading
Second Reading
That Order is deferred.
That Order is deferred.
That Order is deferred.
Hon. Senators, there being no other Business on the Order Paper, the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday 17th July, 2024, at 9.30 a.m. The Senate rose at 5.42 p.m.
Hon. Senators, there being no other Business on the Order Paper, the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday 17th July, 2024, at 9.30 a.m. The Senate rose at 5.42 p.m.