The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Senate is considering a move to initiate a parallel constitutional amendment aimed at solidifying its role as the Upper House amid ongoing tensions with the National Assembly.
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Backing the senators’ plan, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga called for the Senate to have a greater role in the legislative process, similar to the model in the United States, where all laws must pass through both houses.
“Just as the National Assembly has its role, the Senate must also be empowered to fully perform its functions. We see how it works in countries with similar systems, and we should give our Senate the proper powers and responsibilities,” Raila said during a meeting with Senators.
He appeared to oppose the National Assembly’s effort to amend the Constitution to enshrine the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), emphasizing that Parliament should strictly operate within constitutional mandates.
“Parliament, made up of the National Assembly and Senate, is responsible for representation, legislation, and oversight. The Executive governs based on laws passed by Parliament, and the Judiciary interprets them. That’s how it should be,” Raila noted.
Senators have pledged to block the constitutional amendment proposal led by National Assembly members that seeks to embed NG-CDF in the Constitution.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua stated, “The Senate must truly function as the Upper House in legislation. Courts have ruled that NG-CDF is unconstitutional. Even with public participation, the amendment will fail.”
The senators, after a two-hour session with Raila, voiced concerns about attempts to reverse gains in devolution, accusing the national government of encroaching on devolved functions and withholding funds meant for counties.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said the Senate will reject the proposed Senate Oversight Fund included in the National Assembly Amendment Bill, viewing it as a bribe to force approval of the illegal NG-CDF.
“The Senate has been sidelined from performing its constitutional duties. Many devolution-related laws have passed the National Assembly without Senate input. We are now demanding that all National Assembly laws must go through the Senate,” Osotsi declared.
