Parliament will now resume its sittings without interruption after MPs yesterday approved the list of their colleagues to sit in the House Business Committee (HBC). Members had been recalled to approve or reject a procedural motion to rescind last week’s decision by members to reject the list.

Last week MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto shot down a motion seeking to approve names of members to sit in the committee. But yesterday, none of the MPs opposed the motion when it was called by Speaker Justin Muturi.

MPs allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga were caught by surprise when UDA team did not oppose. While moving the motion earlier, Leader of Majority Amos Kimunya (pictured) accused pro-Ruto MPs of playing politics with legislation saying due to their actions, Parliament had lost a whole week where serious matters could have been legislated.

“We all know the importance of the HBC and stopping it from functioning is a serious matter,” he said. Interestingly, Kimunya retained the same names in the list which is contrary to the Standing Orders which states that new members should be listed in a motion rescinding a decision earlier passed by the House.

But Muturi said the Standing Orders allows it. The members include Joyce Emanikor, Shadrack Mose, Kawira Mwangaza, Mohamed Osman, Makali Mulu, Mishi Mboko and Godfrey Osotsi.

Other members of the committee are the Speaker who is also the chairman, the majority and the minority leaders.

The HBC is reconstituted at the start of every new session of Parliament. It is the top decision-making organ that sets the day-to-day agenda that is to be transacted by the National Assembly