This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
President Kenyatta and his political foe-turned-friend Raila Odinga intervened on Thursday to avert a potential showdown between Jubilee and ODM lawmakers over committee leadership in the National Assembly.
The two parties have been unable to agree on how to share committee slots, with the ODM party seeking to take charge of key committees, including the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee and the Committee on Delegated Legislation.
According to sources, a meeting between Majority Leader Amos Kimunya and Minority Leader John Mbadi failed to reach a consensus on how to share the positions, prompting the minority side to threaten to reject the list on the floor of the House.
Mr. Kimunya refused to give in to the demands of the minority side to take charge of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee and the Committee on Delegated Legislation, both formerly chaired by Dr. Ruto's allies.
The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee is crucial, especially with the Building Bridges Initiative report expected, and most of its recommendations will be done through Parliament.
With no agreement in sight, the minority side reached out to Mr. Odinga, who in turn called the President. The Head of State reportedly called Mr. Kimunya and told him to withdraw the list and engage the minority MPs.
Mr. Kimunya withdrew the list, saying there was a need for more consultations, and that the withdrawal would give them an opportunity to look at areas where some members might feel uncomfortable.
