Blow to Ruto-allied MPs as they fail to raise numbers to delete Clause 8 (b) of Political Parties Bill
By evans.maritim, January 5, 2022Members of Parliament allied to Deputy President William Ruto, on Wednesday, suffered a major blow after their push to delete Clause 8 (b) of the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill failed to sail through in the National Assembly.
The clause proposes a 4-month period for the creation of coalition parties ahead of a general election.
The original bill proposed a 6-month period before National Assembly Leader of Majority Amos Kimunya, last week, sought to reduce it to four months.
The motion to delete the clause was moved by Garissa Town MP Aden Duale on Wednesday morning.
“This proposal is being pushed by dishonest individuals who are known for failing to keep promises,” Duale argued.
Ruto’s side claims the bill is aimed at forcing them to enter into a coalition with potential partners before the right time.
They also believe the bill is intended to make it easy for Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja movement to field candidates to their disadvantage in the August elections.
According to the bill, the coalition will sponsor candidates for various seats as opposed to the current situation where they cannot.