This archive report was first published on 24 December 2021.
December 24, 2021, Nakuru — The suspension of the Political Parties Amendment Bill of 2021 has been hailed as a significant victory for Kenyans by legislators allied to Deputy President William Ruto.
South Migirango Member of Parliament Sylvanus Osoro said the opposition to the Bill was driven by concerns over the creation of an imperial registrar of political parties, who would have the power to decide if one is a member of a party or not.
Osoro emphasized that they would not support a bill that undermines the rights of Kenyans, dismissing claims that it was a show of might. "We are not in competition of personalities; we are in competition of ideas for the betterment of this country," he said.
Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika also welcomed the suspension, citing the lack of public participation in the bill's drafting process. "We cannot allow laws that are brought without following the right procedure," she said.
Kihika praised her colleagues for their efforts in opposing the bill, saying, "I want to congratulate my colleagues for a great job you did yesterday, we love it when you stand up to these people."
The comments were made during the burial of Ambassador Ken Osinde, the late Chief of Staff in the office of the Deputy President, in Ngata, Nakuru County. The burial was attended by Deputy President William Ruto and several MPs.
