Another standoff looms between the Senate and the National Assembly after Senators filed a petition to challenge laws that have been enacted by the National Assembly, 24 in number. The Senators on Thursday marched to Milimani Law Courts led by Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka in an act of solidarity to file the petition at the Constitutional and Human Rights Divison of the High Court. The Senators said that the Constitution sets out clearly that legislation is to be processed by the two houses of parliament, the Senate and National Assembly, and not one of the two houses.
Speaking in Court, Senator Orengo affirmed that there are 24 bills that have been passed by the National Assembly without the Senate’s input and that they are seeking orders and declarations that will depend on court declarations. Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking to the press, underlined the importance of the petition, “This lawsuit is for every Kenyan who fought so relentlessly for a government founded on the essential values of equity, democracy, social justice and the rule of law. It’s for everyone who believes in the power of devolution to promote equity, development and progress in the country.”
However, Justice Weldon Korir has directed that the petition be directed to Chief Justice David Maraga to form a three-judge bench to hear it. He said the case raises weighty issues and certified it as urgent.
By Ian Madiavale