This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
Kenya: Nakuru MCAs Reject Abortion Bill ¶
On November 13, 2019, the Nakuru County Assembly was forced to withdraw a contentious Bill that aimed to legalize abortion.
The Bill, sponsored by Elburgon Ward Representative Peter Njuguna Mwaura, was met with fierce opposition from MCAs, who argued that it was not subjected to public participation.
Speaker Joel Maina Kairu faulted the Bill, stating that it was 'dead on arrival' due to its failure to comply with constitutional requirements.
'This House was not sensitized on this Bill. Last week, it was brought in the House without giving members enough copies,' said Mr. Kairu.
He added that the Bill's objectives were against the Constitution and that he approved its withdrawal.
Mr. Kairu advised the sponsor of the Bill to involve MCAs before reintroducing it to the assembly, acknowledging that the Bill had good intentions for maternal health and children.
However, he warned that the House would not be used to further 'sinister motives' and that external forces behind the Bill should desist from sponsoring it.
The withdrawal of the Bill came in the wake of opposition from Nakuru County residents on social media, who commended the Nation.co.ke for highlighting the Bill's flaws.
MCAs such as Kabazi's Dr. Peter Mbae, Timothy Kabutu, and Mary Waiganjo expressed their concerns over the Bill's potential to promote promiscuity, encourage prostitution, and expose young girls to early pregnancies.
They argued that the Bill was against the Constitution, which gives everyone a right to life, and that it would turn Nakuru into a 'Sodom and Gomorrah' if implemented.
