This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
Published on May 21, 2020
Kindiki's Fate Sealed ¶
Senate Majority Chief Whip Irungu Kangata has confirmed that a total of 48 Senators have endorsed the motion to oust Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki. The motion will be debated on Friday, which could seal Kindiki's fate.
According to Kangata, the Tharaka Nithi Senator has been disloyal to the party, particularly for failing to attend the Senate Parliamentary Group meeting convened by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House.
“The party has lost confidence in the Deputy Speaker. He failed to provide reasons for skipping the meeting and that is a major issue to the party,” Kangata said during a media briefing at Parliament Buildings.
Kindiki's ouster motion has been defended by the Jubilee Party, with 26 Senators from the party and 22 from the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition endorsing the motion.
Article 106 (2) of the Constitution stipulates that two-thirds of the members of a House of Parliament are required to remove a deputy speaker. With 48 Senators in support, Kindiki's fate appears to be sealed.
Kindiki, a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto, was once touted as his possible running mate in the 2022 presidential election.
