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The battle over the proposed law that seeks to clear the way for registration of a coalition party yesterday moved to the Senate with Leader of  Majority Samuel Poghisio pledging that there will be no chaotic scenes.

Political Parties (amendment) Bill 2021 was  yesterday read in the Senate for the first time, setting the stage for an epic contest between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s allies and Deputy President William Ruto’s camp.

Just like in the National Assembly, it will be a game of numbers as DP allies have already indicated that they will be lining up various amendments to the Bill that was passed by a majority vote  in the Lower House.

The Handshake team camp is bullish that it will not be entertaining any amendments just like their counterparts in the National Assembly.

Yesterday, Poghisio rallied his Handshake partners in the House to support the Bill.

“The Senate is the House of reason and nothing will go wrong. The entertainment we got in our sister House was sufficient to soil the name of Parliament, but we can redeem that using this House,” said Poghisio.

Public participation

Speaker Kenneth Lusaka referred the Bill to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) chaired by Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni to conduct public participation and file a report to the House on January 25.

Earlier, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen sought the Speaker’s assurance that Kenyans will be given an opportunity to give their views on the bill.

Leader of Minority in the Senate James Orengo  emphasised the need to go debate the Bill soberly.

“This Bill will be discussed comprehensively, thoroughly and robustly,” Orengo assured.

Kitui Senator Enock Wambua said the House will engage in a manner that instills confidence among Kenyans.

“An opportunity has presented itself to us through this Bill, that we must demonstrate to this country that, indeed, we are the Upper House,” said Wambua.

The public hearings will be conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Thereafter, the nine-member panel shall retreat to file a report ahead of tabling on January 25.

The lawmakers will debate the report on January 26 and 27 before a vote is taken.