Minority Coalition Walks Out Of Senate Chambers On Moses Kuria’s Presence

The Minority Coalition in the Senate staged a walkout on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, following the arrival of Trade CS Moses Kuria. The senators, who are allied to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition party, left the House when Senate Speaker Amason Kingi allowed the CS to proceed with answering questions in regards to his docket.

The senators claimed that the House lacked a quorum and was in violation of Standing Order 41. This standing order states that a quorum is deemed to be present when two-thirds of the members of the House are present. The Minority Coalition argued that there were not enough members present to constitute a quorum.

As a result of the walkout, no business could be conducted in the House. The senators also objected to CS Kuria being questioned about his criticism of the media and the controversy surrounding the edible oil purchase deal.

The walkout comes at a time when the Senate is deadlocked over a number of issues, including the budget and the electoral bill. The Minority Coalition has accused the Speaker of favoring the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, which is the coalition of parties that CS Kuria belongs to.

The Speaker has denied these allegations, but the walkout has further strained relations between the two sides. It remains to be seen whether the Senate will be able to resume business in the near future.

Analysis

The walkout by the Minority Coalition is a significant development in the ongoing political crisis in Kenya. It is a sign of the deep divisions within the Senate and the country as a whole. It remains to be seen whether the Senate will be able to resume business in the near future, but the walkout has further strained relations between the two sides.