MPs take action after losing parliamentary privileges

dennis kibet

May 22, 2018 4:19 PM

The High Court ruled the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act were inconsistent with parts of the Constitution.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has said Parliament will appeal Mondays court ruling declaring a section of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act unconstitutional.

Speaker Muturi maintained that the ruling will stall operations at the August House.

Justice John Mativo on Monday ruled that Sections 7 and 11 of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act were inconsistent with parts of the Constitution.

"Parliamentary immunity is not an individual privilege granted to members of Parliament for their personal benefit but rather for the people and the institution which represents them," ruled Justice Mativo.

The law shielded MPs, employees of Parliament and journalists covering the House from being served with court orders whenever they are within its boundaries.

Justic Mativo found that the Act discriminated some members of the Kenyan society from exercising their constitutional rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

dennis kibet