Raila surprises MPs in parliament

ruby orimba

November 28, 2018 3:39 PM

Business was momentarily halted in the House

AU special envoy Raila Odinga with Speaker Justin Muturi

Special AU envoy Raila Odinga on Wednesday surprised members of Parliament at the National Assembly by taking a seat at the Speakers gallery alongside Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

The former Prime Minister was seen following the parliamentary proceedings of the day and was duly recognised by Speaker Justin Muturi.

The two Opposition leaders were accompanied by Senators James Orengo (Siaya) and Cleopas Malala (Kakamega), Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni) and other prominent persons.

Mr Odinga and his convoy had earlier had a private meeting with the National Assembly Speaker at his chambers ahead of a vote on the two-thirds Gender rule.

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Private meeting with Speaker Muturi

Speaker Muturi shared photos with the former PM with the caption: "Delighted to host the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga who called on me this afternoon ahead of the consideration of the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2018, on gender representation in Parliament as envisaged by the constitution."

The controversial Gender Bill had just moments earlier received an endorsement from Mr Odinga's wife, Ida, who has been absent from the public eye for some time.

“If things were right, women would have more say than men, but that’s not the case. It is because women have been socialized in a manner that they take a second ladder.”

“Every time you go to campaigns, first they want to know if you are married and if you are married where is she from? these issues come in and they mostly affect women who are married away from their roots. Then you are told you don’t belong here,” the former Prime Minister’s wife said.

ruby orimba