Members of Parliament (MPs) on Thursday united to scuttle the passing of the Supplementary Estimates 2020/2021 and the Division of Revenue Bill, 2021 over the row on disbursement of National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
It was the second time MPs ganged up to frustrate the Executive after they boycotted sittings last week forcing a special sitting to be called on Thursday, March 18.
The Speaker was forced to suspend sittings for 45 minutes to allow for further consultations after it became apparent that the efforts to pass the estimates had hit headwinds.
Treasury, as per the report, has this week released Ksh.6 billion to cater for the arrears, even as some lawmakers still protested skewed distribution of the same.
The disbursement brings to Ksh.31 billion the total amount released this year, leaving Treasury with a balance of Ksh.25 billion to clear with CDF. There are arrears of Ksh.14 billion for the last financial year, which were not included in the current budget and Ksh.11 billion for this year.
Even after the 45 minutes break, Deputy Speaker Moses Cheboi said there was nothing to report as there was no agreement.
“Speaker, there is nothing to report, members had very strong views and basically we didn’t agree, and I doubt even if the majority leader has anything to report,” Cheboi told the House.
The impasse forced the House to drop the passing of the Division of Revenue Bill after the government caught wind it could be shot down.
Deputy Majority Whip Maoka Maore moved that the Speaker suspends the putting of the question when it became apparent that the Division of Revenue Bill will flop.
Efforts by Majority Leader Amos Kimunya to ask MPs to pass the Bill because of timelines were shouted down as members maintained their stand.
“Consultation has never been a bad thing. You can consult and consult until you agree, let’s give ourselves time and consult some more and come back on Monday for a Kamkunji and agree to pass the Bill on Tuesday,” said Minority Whip Junet Mohammed.
Nominated MP Cecily Mbarire urged the leadership of the House to embrace consultation rather than issuing threats to members.
“Let me tell the leadership of this House that it does not help to use force to push your agenda in this House. Experience has shown that those who use negotiations, consultation and persuasions have achieved more than those that use threats,” Mbarire said.
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