This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's ongoing battle with Deputy President William Ruto's Tanga Tanga faction has taken a new turn, with the President seeking to assert control over the National Assembly and Senate.
According to sources, Uhuru has moved to reclaim authority in the two houses of parliament, with Majority leaders Aden Duale and Kipchumba Murkomen at the center of the conflict.
On August 14th, 2018, Uhuru signed the Health Law (Amendment Bill 2018) into law, with both Duale and Murkomen in attendance at State House. However, Murkomen later took to Twitter to express his discontent, stating that he had been invited to witness the signing of a different bill, and that Duale had presented the Health laws for signature against the Constitution.
"I was invited to State House to witness the President sign into law The Assumption of the office of County Governor Bill. This Bill originated from the Senate. I discovered at State House that Hon Aden Duale was also invited on behalf of NA having passed some Health laws (Amendment) Bill," Murkomen tweeted.
"Just before the signing ceremony I overheard that there were health laws to be signed. I protested to Hon Aden Duale, Solicitor Gen. & other State House staff for presenting Health laws for signature against the Constitution. I told them they had the duty to give proper counsel to the HE," he added.
However, Duale fired back at Murkomen, calling his attacks "childish personal attacks" and accusing him of crying like a child.
"Why go to State House to take a photo with the President while signing a bill and then come back crying like a small kid?" Duale asked.
The latest spat between Jubilee leadership in parliament is a clear indication of how the Uhuru-Ruto wars have spilled over to the legislative branch. By having the National Assembly Majority leader on his side, Uhuru is making sure all legislation concerning the Big 4 agenda are effectively passed in Parliament.
