Process to block Raila from 2022 presidential race initiated

juma chrispinus

April 19, 2018 9:02 AM

Duale has been vibrant to support the latest turn.

The process to block Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga from contesting in the 2022 presidential election was on Wednesday initiated by parliament.

The initiation follows a Bill introduced to parliament by Mohammed Sheikh from Wajir County who sought the Parliament’s approval to have the constitution amended to bar Kenyans above 70 years from contesting the presidency.

Should the motion get a green light, then Mr Odinga, 71, would technically be locked out of the would- be hotly contested 2022 race, given his political nemesis Deputy President William Ruto is strategizing for the same job.

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The petition, however, was received with hostility from a section of Nasa affiliated lawmakers, many terming it a mischievous attempt to block Mr Odinga.

Led by Endebess MP Robert Pukose and his Mvita counterpart Abdulswamad Nassir, the lawmakers have urged National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi to reject the Bill, terming it a waste of time.

“This motion will only be a waste of Parliament time. It is in bad faith and a mischievous way to lock out one Kenyan from seeking the presidency. In the spirit of the handshake, we should not spoil the mood by introducing such a mischievous petition,” argued Mr Pukose.

On the other hand, however, Majority leader Aden Duale, a close confidant of DP Ruto, argued that the petitioner had a right to be heard in the house, urging the speaker to adopt the motion.

“I agree with members that this is not a good petition. It is misplaced. But we should not demean petitioners. Let us not scare Kenyans who are constitutionally granted the right to approach this House on any matter. This petition needs to be given good time and good consideration,” said Duale.

juma chrispinus