Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 4 October 2022
The Senate afternoon sitting was dominated by procedural wrangling, with the Speaker and several senators debating motions to close debate, points of order, and the need for the minority to accept rulings. Senators raised concerns about the conduct of new members, the precedent for the Upper House, and repeatedly called for order amid loud consultations and interruptions. The Senate opened its first regular afternoon sitting, swearing in a new senator and announcing the Majority Party leadership. Senator Tom Ojienda raised a point of order, arguing that designating Kenya Kwanza as the Majority Party was premature given recent cabinet appointments and pending by‑elections that affect party numbers, invoking constitutional and standing‑order provisions. Senator Cheruiyot responded, urging the House to focus on verified facts and the established process. Senators debated the constitutionality of forming a new committee and the procedural authority to rule on law unconstitutionality, while also contesting the status of the United Democratic Movement within the Azimio‑One Kenya coalition. The discussion featured repeated remarks about Sen. Ali Roba’s political alignment, points of order, and occasional heated exchanges, punctuated by laughter and procedural interruptions. The overall tone was contentious with moments of levity.
Hon. Senators, we have the quorum. Clerk, you may proceed with the next Order.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, we present to you, Sen. Crystal Kegehi Asige. The Oath of Allegiance was administered to the following Senator- Sen. Crystal Asige.
[(Applause)]
Hon. Senators, it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to this first regular Sitting of the Senate, following the opening of the 13th Parliament on Thursday, 29th September, 2022.
Shortly, the Senate Business Committee (SBC) will deliberate on and submit to the House a Calendar which definitively sets out the dates for regular sittings and recesses, to aid in planning and scheduling of the business of the Senate.
Hon. Senators, before we proceed with the core business of today’s Sitting as listed in the Order Paper, I take this opportunity to inform the Senate, that vide a letter dated 29th September, 2022, the Majority Party submitted the names of Senators to serve in the Majority Party Leadership. The Senators are as follows - Sen. Aaron Cheruiyot, MP - Senate Majority Leader Sen. Tabitha Keroche Karanj…
[(Applause)]
[(Applause)]
Hon. Senators, as regards to the business before the House this afternoon, the Senate will consider the names of the Senators to serve in the Senate Business Committee (SBC) . The Committee is charged with the responsibility of –
On a point of order.
What is your point of order?
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, Tuesday, 4th October, 2022. This is the President’s Address on the opening of the 13th Parliament delivered on Thursday, 29th September, 2022, during a Joint Sitting of the Parliament.
[(Sen. Cheruiyot laid document on the Table)]
Let us go to the next Order.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to give notice of the following Motion- THAT, pursuant to Standing Order 190 and 199 (3) , the Senate approves the following Senators nominated to serve in the Senate Business Committee---
[(Loud consultations)]
Hon. Senators, let us have some order please. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, please proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I was giving notice of the following Motion- THAT, pursuant to Standing Orders 190 and 199 (3) , the Senate approves the following Senators nominated to serve in the Senate Business Committee, in addition to the Speaker of the Senate, who pursuant to Standing Order No.190 (1) , shall be the Chairperson of the Committee, the
Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, the Senate Majority Whip and the Senate Minority Whip: -
Let us go to the next Order.
Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows-
after the rise of the Senate. The meeting will take place in Committee Room No.4, first floor, main Parliament Buildings.
Hon. Senators, there being no other Business on the Order Paper, the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, 5th October, 2022 at 2.30.p.m. The Senate rose at 7.02 p.m.