Kiunjuri throws weight behind Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021

The Service Party (TSP) leader Mwangi Kiunjuri has thrown his weight behind the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

Speaking during a funeral in Nanyuki, Kiunjuri disclosed that he was reading from the same script with President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in supporting the bill currently on the floor of the National Assembly.

The Bill, among other things, seeks to ensure that political parties’ and coalitions submit their agreements six months to the General Election.

Kiunjuri argues that it will enhance democracy ahead of the next polls.

“Let us allow this Bill to sail through and allow Kenyans to choose parties of their choice. As TSP, we will support all Bills that benefit the people of Kenya and enhance democracy,” he said.

The former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary lashed out at Deputy President William Ruto for criticizing the growth of small political parties.

“Some people think that they are too close to the presidency and clamour to lead the country alone. But they should know that they might turn out to be in the Opposition,” said Kiunjuri.

“We have the right to form as many political parties as possible. Every Kenyan should be given the choice to choose from a variety of political parties,” he added.

The Bill has resulted in a political battle between MPs allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga on one side, and Deputy President William Ruto on the other.

MPs are expected to convene on December 29 to either adopt or reject the Bill. It has already sailed through the first and second stages and the lawmakers are on Wednesday expected to dwell on the amendments.

The side opposing the Bill demands that the timeline of submitting the pre-election agreement slated for three months before the General Elections.

Ruto’s camp has in the past suffered major blows on the floor of the National Assembly and the Senate when it failed to mobilise numbers for crucial votes.

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