Respect Azimio’s changes in the Senate, Raila tells Amason Kingi

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has asked Senate Speaker Amason Kingi to respect the coalition’s decision to replace Senate Minority Whip Fatuma Dulo.

Raila, who met Azimio senators in Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, accused Kingi of dillydallying yet the coalition had replaced Dullo with Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina.

The former Prime Minister dismissed arguments by Kingi that he was obeying a directive by the Political Parties Tribunal, saying Parliament is independent and cannot be gagged by another government agency.

“When political parties make changes in their leadership in the House, it should be respected. I am asking Senate Speaker Amason Kingi to obey a decision to have senators Ledama ole Kina and Edwin Sifuna as Senate Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip,” said Raila.

He said it was wrong for the speaker to contribute to a stalemate in the minority leadership which was causing unnecessary drama in the House that has a lot to do for Kenyans. He said the changes were aimed at making the opposition effective.

Raila, who had lunch with the senators, said the speaker should not be partisan.

Senate proceedings were disrupted two weeks ago with Azimio senators jeering at Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi as he delivered communication on the Deputy Minority Whip position.

Murungi threw out Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Ledama, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch for disrupting proceedings. He later rescinded the decision.

He took the decision after the four senators led their colleagues in jeering him.

“I have forgiven the four senators so that we can continue with normal business of the house, my communication was about the Deputy Minority Whip position which has now been shelved until I hold a meeting with the leadership of the House,” said Murungi.

He had initially suspended Madzayo, Kina, Oketch and Wambua be away from the House for three days due to unruly behaviour.