Uhuru asks Senate to pass Political Parties Amendment Bill into law
By Benson Mbare, January 14, 2022
President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked senators to endorse the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill 2021 currently before the Upper House saying it will improve governance and delivery of services to Kenyans.
Speaking during a luncheon at State House, Nairobi, Uhuru urged the lawmakers to speed up the passage of the bill as Kenyans gear up for the August polls.
“Some people have tried to demonise political parties amendment as they demonised BBI. This bill is giving us an opportunity to be able to formally work together across political parties in the interest of the nation,” the President said.
The President further explained how different laws recently passed by parliament will ensure the country attains its development goals.
“The passage of the anti-money laundering bill, for example, will ensure that we are able to continue being part of the international financial system, and to have a respected banking system that can only help improve and mature our economy,” he said.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga who accompanied the president during the luncheon also asked the Senate to emulate the National Assembly and pass the bill for the benefit of all Kenyans.
He said constitutional making is a work in progress, noting that Kenyans desire laws that will ensure good governance.
“Law and Constitution-making are always work in progress. Even the old age constitution, the democratic constitution of Unites States of America, is still a work in progress, and they have several amendments, which they always put to use the Fifth Amendment, Sixth Amendment and so on and so forth,” he said.
The luncheon was attended by Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the political divide, including Leaders of Majority in the National Assembly and Senate Amos Kimunya and Samuel Poghisio.