The Senate has effected changes by the Jubilee party replacing Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika from their leadership positions.
Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka says he has received communication from the Jubilee Coalition through Deputy Majority Whip Irungu Kang’ata notifying him of the changes.
Lusaka says the communication was accompanied by all relevant documents among them the minutes of the Jubilee coalition parliamentary group meeting.
According to the communication, 20 Senators attended the meeting and resolved to remove Murkomen and Kihika as Majority leader and Majority Whip respectively.
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The meeting further resolved to elect Senator Samuel Poghisio as the Majority leader, Kang’ata as the Majority Whip and Senator Haji Ali as the Deputy Majority Whip while Senator Dullo Fatuma remains the Deputy Majority Leader.
“I am satisfied that the changes were made in accordance with the Senate Standing Orders and meets the threshold required under standing order 19 (5) there having been a majority of votes.” The Speaker ruled.
Murkomen who was in the House however took offence with the communication citing orders by the Political parties disputes Tribunal quashing the Jubilee-KANU pact.
He was furious, claiming the Speaker was pushed to the wall to make the communication, “Mr Speaker I know you, I defended you when Senator Wetangula and Senator Orengo brought papers against you here. This isn’t your decision Mr Speaker, you made this decision under duress.”
At this point, Minority Leader James Orengo intervened accusing Murkomen of undermining the authority of the Speaker as well as disrespecting the President.
The war of words would end prematurely after the Senate adjourned at 12:30, but is expected to highlight the afternoon session.