Jubilee outwits Cord to push ICC Motion: Jubilee leadership in the Senate has flexed its muscle and stamped its authority to counter CORD opposition represented in the House by seasoned and experienced politicians. While Jubilee has managed to show its supremacy in the National Assembly, little had been seen in its ability to dominate the Senate, where the margin of numbers against CORD is very thin, until last week’s success on a Motion to petition the International Criminal Court over the Kenyan cases. Questions and fears, including within President Uhuru Kenyatta’s-led coalition, had been raised over the ability of Jubilee leaders at the Senate to measure up to the Opposition colleagues, many of who have long experience in politics and with enviable professional background. While Jubilee opted for a first-time parliamentarian in Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki as a Leader of Majority and also handed over many of the leadership positions to political novices, the group has proved its worth in the face of the strong opposition challenge. Rome Statute withdrawal The successful pushing through of a Motion seeking Kenya’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute and the deferral of the current cases facing the Jubilee leaders Uhuru and William Ruto, was taken within the ruling coalition as a statement that the young leadership was equal to the task. Apart from Kindiki, other first timers spearheading Jubilee’s cause and who have emerged as vocal voices in the House is Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, who also chairs the powerful Devolution Committee in Senate and Beatrice Elachi, who is the coalition’s Chief Whip. It was in the hands of these leaders that the Jubilee government pegged its hopes of pushing through the highly contested and charged Motion on the ICC. Facing an Opposition led by Minority Leader Moses Wetangula, and such seasoned politicians like James Orengo, Anyang Nyong’o, Amos Wako and Johnstone Muthama, the Motion appeared a tough test for Kindiki and his group. But the Tharaka Nithi Senator reveals that despite whipping up his Senators, political calculations had been done to counter the strong voices in the Opposition. Kindiki first wrote a letter to all Senators asking them to cancel all their commitments for Tuesday and ensure to be in the Senate to push the agenda.
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:42:35 +0000
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