Parliament defers vote on 2/3rd Gender bill due to lack of numbers

The voting in the much awaited gender bill has been deferred amid opposition in the House, due to lack of the requisite numbers to pass the bill.

Majority Leader Adan Duale has on Wednesday afternoon moved a motion to withdrawal the bill since only 217 MPs are in the house instead of the 233 required to pass it.

Duale said he does not want history to judge him harshly. Says more consultations needed on the bill.

The Bill will be reintroduced for voting after consultations among the House leadership.

Speaker Justin Muturi said the House leadership will convene next week Tuesday 4^th Dec to deliberate on when to introduce the bill back.

While supporting the motion, Minority leader John Mbadi as well as Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa said the deferment will provide sufficient time for lobbying to ensure the bill is passed.

Their sentiments were echoed by Homabay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga who said it will give members an opportunity to make an informed decision.

The Bill requires 233 members to pass, with the house risking being declared unconstitutional if it fails to pass the 2/3 gender bill.

ODM leader Raila Odinga, his Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka presence in Parliament buildings only proved the seriousness of the matter as the two among other leaders watched the proceedings from the Speaker’s panel.

Earlier Raila had met Speaker Muturi as lobbying for the bill enters a crucial stage.

The ODM party leadership has vowed to lobby its members to turn up and vote to the affirmative. “This matter is so fundamental and so crucial, Kenyans agreed in 2010 to have gender parity. We’ve just delayed for 8yrs” said Mbadi