NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 19 – Parliament has adjourned its sittings for two weeks, barely a day after re-convening.
The decision to take a break came after two key Bills that were to be debated were withdrawn under the advice of the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution.
While moving the adjournment Motion on Wednesday Deputy Leader of government business Amos Kimunya said the short recess will give the government time to make necessary amendments to the two Bills and follow the correct procedure in tabling them for debate.
Mr Kimunya said the House could not continue sitting until the Bills were properly tabled since it was recalled early specifically to debate the Bills anchoring the new Constitution.
Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo was on Tuesday forced to withdraw the Judicial Service Commission and Vetting of Judges and Magistrates Bills to allow for input from the CIC.
Mr Kilonzo promised that the two Bills will be published afresh on Thursday.
Backbenchers however criticised the Executive for lagging behind in its responsibilities.
The two Bills which were tabled last December had been approved by the Cabinet and gone through the first reading.
While withdrawing the Bills Mr Kilonzo said: "My Ministry is organising a seminar on January 24, where we can go and talk together and then we can move forward in clarity."
The CIC on Monday urged the Minister to withdraw the two Bills to allow for amendments.
CIC Chairman Charles Nyachae said there were a number of technical issues that needed to be addressed before the House begun debate on the Bill.
Mr Nyachae said the manner in which the Bill was tabled in Parliament was not in conformity with the letter of the Constitution which requires that the commission give its input.
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