This archive report was first published on 22 December 2021.
On December 22, 2021, the Kenyan Parliament witnessed a heated debate over the Political Parties Amendment Bill 2021, with members engaging in a shouting match during the opening session.
Deputy President William Ruto's allies and those in President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's camp were at odds over the Bill, with some protesting the move to rush the amendments.
Tharaka MP George Murugara sparked controversy by alleging that the House Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) failed to conduct satisfactory public participation on the Bill.
However, JLAC Committee member Muturi Kigano dismissed the allegations, stating that all procedural legal requirements were followed and the report was adopted by the committee members.
House Deputy Speaker Moses Cheboi ruled that the Committee had compiled and allowed the debate on the Bill to proceed, despite the chaos.
House Majority Leader Amos Kimunya urged his colleagues to be sober and not politicize the Bill for their own selfish political gains, while House Minority Leader John Mbadi supported the Bill, citing its potential to streamline the division of the political parties fund.
However, Kandara MP Alice Wahome opposed the Bill, labeling it ill-timed and accusing the state machinery of using high-handed tactics to have it passed.
