Deputy President William Ruto escaped narrowly after the National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi rejected a plot by the legistrators to amend the Constitution to bar him from vying for the presidency in the 2022 General Election.
Through a petition to the House, Kisumu Central MP Fred Ouda also sought to have deputy governors who have served two terms blocked from succeeding their bosses in subsequent elections.
Leader of Majority Aden Duale (Garissa Township) and his Minority colleague John Mbadi (Suba South) led other members in calling for dismissal of the motion, terming it frivolous.
However, the Speaker defended the MP’s right to table his proposals after members unanimously opposed its tabling.
According to Speaker Muturi before subjecting the matter to a vote he said that, “This is a matter that is weighty,”
The Speaker had initially directed that the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee consider the petition and report to the House within 60 days.
Mr Ouda later addressed the media to fault the House decision, insisting that the term of the President and Deputy President is one and the same.
According to Mr. Ouda, “The election of the President and the DP are intertwined. They both derive their authority directly from the electorate and, as such, they are only eligible to hold the office of the presidency for a maximum of two five-year terms.”
On similar grounds, Mr Ouda argued that the governor and deputy governor comprise one inseparable unit.
He further added saying, “The petitioners humbly pray the National Assembly through the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee should consider the petition in view of the weighty matters canvassed and seriousness of the issues presented.”
Mr Duale who happens to be one of the right hand man to DP Ruto said the petition contradicts Article 137 of the Constitution.
He added, “He is trying to say that the DP will not contest in 2022. This is a wild dream. Ruto will be on the ballot in 2022. We have important things to do. They tried to introduce age limits to bar Raila Odinga from contesting, now they are on William Ruto.”
Mr Mbadi argued saying, “The petition is constitutional but it will just be wasting time for the committee. ODM is not scared of anyone. Ouda is working on his own. Political parties will determine people who will be on the ballot.”
Deputy President Ruto has been alleged to be campaigning for the top seat in 2022 where he has gained more support from leaders in several regions one being ;leaders from the coast region where he has been visiting.
However, the handshake between President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga, which ended tensions following last year’s disputed elections, has thrown opposition unity at the coast into disarray.
Coast politicians allied to National Super Alliance (Nasa) present at the function vowed to continue supporting Mr Ruto’s bid for the 2022 presidential bid despite threats from their affiliate parties.
The lawmakers, majority of them from Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) said no amount of threats will stop them from supporting Mr Ruto.
Led by Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, the lawmakers said they are simply extending a handshake initiated by Mr Odinga and Mr Kenyatta.
Lunga Lunga MP Khatib Mwashetani urged opposition party politicians to join Mr Ruto’s camp, telling them not to be afraid of sanctions.