This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
On January 29, 2020, the Senate Special Sitting presided over by Speaker Kenneth Lusaka debated the impeachment motion against former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu. However, the focus shifted to the revenue-sharing formula, which has been a contentious issue in the Senate.
Senators failed to pass the third revenue-sharing formula for the seventh time, instead voting to adjourn the debate and seek more days to build consensus and vote in a non-contested manner. Interestingly, some senators who had opposed a similar adjournment motion last week voted in support of it this time.
Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio decried the hypocrisy of those who opposed the motion last week but supported it this time. He argued that it merely meant postponing a problem, but with the goodwill of all sides, consensus would be achieved.
Senator Kimani Wamatangi from Kiambu expressed concerns that further extending the gridlock would not help the country. He suggested that the Senate deal with the problem at hand by considering the proposals in the order paper.
Majority Whip Irungu Kang'ata questioned what had changed since last week, asking for a ruling on whether the motion was the same as the one moved last week by Senator James Orengo, which was defeated.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen moved an adjournment motion, which was supported by 34 senators and opposed by 26. Murkomen argued that there was an opportunity for the Senate to have a conversation around the subject matter and come to a conclusion that would benefit all counties.
Senator George Khaniri from Vihiga expressed concerns that the formula proposed by the committee would mean that counties like Vihiga would close shop and revert to the national government. He suggested that the Senate come up with a formula that would be acceptable to all.
Minority Leader James Orengo emphasized that there were no winners and losers in the debate, and that the original sin was creating gainers and losers. He suggested that the Senate do consultation and report back to the House next week.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula argued that the country was on the edge and should arrive at a middle ground where no county loses funds. He suggested that the Senate look for a venue, sit as a House, and agree on a formula.
On August 5, 2020, the debate on the revenue-sharing formula continued, with the Senate adjourning the debate and seeking more days to build consensus and vote in a non-contested manner.
