This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
On July 16, 2020, Deputy President William Ruto made a surprise move by welcoming key Parliamentary leadership changes, including committee membership.
The changes now set the stage for the implementation of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report. The DP's allies, accused of fighting the BBI project, were kicked out from plum leadership positions in both the Senate and the National Assembly.
Of particular interest is the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), which is expected to deal with the BBI report. According to the changes, the committee will now have seven new members, all allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Deputy President Ruto urged the MPs to work together, hours after they approved a list of the reconstituted committees, ending a tussle between Jubilee and ODM parties.
According to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Justin Muturi, the committees now have seven days to elect their chair and vice-chairpersons, in accordance with the Standing Orders.
Deputy President Ruto's message of unity was echoed by the leader of Minority Party, John Mbadi, who said the reconstituted committees are meant to provide a soft landing to many important matters, including the Building Bridges Initiative Report.
Deputy President Ruto's tweet read: 'With the changes in Parliamentary leadership including committee membership & leadership now concluded, I urge all MPs NOT to be divided but work TOGETHER in serving the PEOPLE. Col.3:23, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for God, not human masters.'
