The recess comes amidst intense opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, which has seen Kenyans take to the streets in nationwide demonstrations.
Members of the National Assembly will proceed on a one-month break after the Parliament precincts were invaded by anti-Finance Bill protesters on Tuesday, June 25.
According to the order paper dated Wednesday, June 26, the August House will proceed on recess from today until July 23, 2024.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 28(3) relating to the Calendar of the Assembly, and the resolutions of the House of Wednesday, 14th February 2024, and Tuesday, 25th June 2024, the Speaker notifies that, upon the rise of the House at the appointed time today, regular sittings will resume on Tuesday, 23rd July 2024 at 2:30 p.m.” read the notice.
The recess comes amidst intense opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, which has seen Kenyans take to the streets in nationwide demonstrations.
National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula during a past House session. /FILE
The bill sailed through Parliament on Tuesday after 195 Members of Parliament voted to pass it while 106 others rejected it. Three votes were spoiled.
Torn between the Executive’s will and the public’s wrath, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah moved a procedural motion to change the calendar of the House to allow members to go on recess, ostensibly to cool the steam generated by the Finance Bill.
“This time, this short recess will allow many of our members…as you are aware, honourable speaker, with the budget-related business, our National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) kitty has been enhanced, members will be required to go back and participate in the proposals,” Ichung’wah informed the House.
Seconding the motion, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said members owe it to their constituents to explain why they voted and the reasons behind their decisions.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula delivered a terse condemnation of the invasion of Parliament by protesters who ignited chaos, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
“The gory images of wanton destruction and the desecration of Parliament Square by those masquerading as peaceful protesters are highly regrettable,” declared Wetangula, who also chairs the Parliamentary Service Commission. “
“We mourn the lives lost and extend our condolences to their families. This breach of security is an affront to our democracy.”
The Speaker highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting the unprecedented nature of the breach, which saw protestors enter the hallowed grounds of Parliament by force and narrowly missing several MPs.
He called for absolute restraint and respect in all forms of protest, emphasising the need for peaceful demonstrations that uphold the rule of law.