Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende. Photo/ FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 17 – The Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende is now urging a prompt investigation into allegations that Makadara MP Gidion Mbuvi alias Sonko assaulted a senior parliamentary official.
Marende says in a statement that he is fully aware of the accusations made against Sonko by the senior parliamentary security officer.
“The parliamentary officer who is alleged to have been assaulted and who is a Senior Sergeant-at-Arms recorded a statement at the Parliament Police Station on 11th October, 2012 under Occurrence Book entry number 21. He has also obtained a Medical Examination Report (P3) from the Kenya Police Surgeon. The officers of the Parliament Police Station have been actively engaged in investigating the matter.”
Marende has also summoned Parliament’s powerful Powers and Privileges Committee to a meeting next Thursday over the allegations.
Capital FM News has learnt that the altercation occurred as Mbuvi charged at Attorney General Githu Muigai within the precincts of Parliament, but the orderly stepped in, taking the blow.
“My office takes seriously any breach or abuse of parliamentary powers or privileges. For this reason, I have summoned the members of the Committee of Privileges of Parliament to an urgent meeting of the committee to discuss and inquire into this matter. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 25th October, 2012 at 2:30pm,” Marende said.
The committee which is chaired by Marende comprises Education Minister Mutula Kilonzo, AG Muigai, Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa, Assistant Ministers Peter Munya and James Gesami.
Other members are Gichugu MP Martha Karua, Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi, Bura MP Nuh Nassir and Nominated MP Millie Odhiambo.
Section 9 of the Powers and Privileges Act gives the Speaker the mandate to investigate the conduct of MPs.
The Powers and Privileges Act provides: “The Speaker may, from time to time as he deems expedient, issue directions in the form of a Code of Conduct regulating the conduct of members of the assembly whilst within the precincts of the assembly other than the chamber.”
The committee has powers to deal with errant MPs including stopping their remunerations and benefits.
According to multiple sources, Sonko run into the AG as he was about to enter the chamber as the lawmaker was exiting after being ejected from participating in the day’s proceedings for disorderly conduct.
“It’s at this point that Sonko loudly protested that Muigai was taking sides with “land grabbers”.
“Muigai was carrying documents and reluctantly talked to Sonko. Suddenly without warning, Sonko lunged at the AG. The officer who tried to intervene was shoved by the MP leaving him injured in the process.”
Muigai was then led away by another officer.
Marende has in the meantime asked those who may have witnessed the alleged assault to record statements at the Parliament Police Station.
“I further appeal to all Honourable Members of Parliament who may have witnessed the alleged assault to record their statements at the Parliament Police Station within the next three days. I call upon the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to expedite investigations into this matter and to take all necessary measures.”
Sonko is said to have accosted the AG over a disputed piece of land near the Muthangari Police Station, in Nairobi.
The AG had asked the CID to probe the MP and come up with a report for action.
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