Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Masika Wetang’ula has assured the Members of Parliament of maximum security ahead of the voting period.

Speaking on Thursday, June 20, 2024, Wetangula noted that he had been briefed by the security team stationed in Parliament that there were no security breach incidences.

“20 minutes ago I had a meeting with the Sergeant at Arms and his team to ask them if they have any reports on security issues around Parliament. They indicated to me that they are hearing the noises outside there but within the precinct of Parliament, they have no reports because there are no incidents,” Wetang’ula announced.

The speaker further told MPs that he had tasked the National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah to speak with Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome over the ongoing anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests in Nairobi.

Wetang’ula updated the MPs that the police boss assured them that the protests would not interfere with their businesses.

Further, Wetang’ula reported that he had not received any report of harassment or interference from MPs while driving to Parliament.

“I instructed the Majority Leader (Kimani Ichung’wah) to get in touch with the police and speak to the Inspector General (Japhet Koome) and bring to his attention that whatever law enforcement activities going on outside there should not interfere with your legislative work,” he added.

“I have been in this precinct within 6 am, and no single member has come to me to report any prevention, harassment or interference when coming to their work.”

Wetang’ula advice on voting

At the same time, Wetang’ula pleaded with the MPs to exercise decorum while voting on the Finance Bill 2024.

“Kenyans have watched as each and every member debate on this Bill, now that we are going to vote, I want to encourage us to take the same honour to the people who sent us here. That we are here to protect their interests not physically and intellectually.”

The Members of Parliament will take a vote on Thursday, June 20, 2024. During the exercise, if more MPs are in favour of the vote, it moves to the next stage which is the Committee of the Whole House.

At the Committee of the Whole House, this is where any proposed amendments to the Bill are considered and a vote is taken on each.

After this stage, the Committee of the Whole House approves clauses with or without amendments before a report is sent to the House seeking approval. If it is approved, it moves to the final stage which is the Third reading. Here, no amendments are made and a final vote is taken.

If the MPs approve the Bill, the Speaker of the National Assembly will transmit it to President William Ruto for assent.

The President will then have a 14-day window to assent to the Bill or refer it back to the National Assembly with some reservations.

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