In the Coalition Bill Vote, Uhuru and Raila Take a First Blow

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga have been dealt a setback in the National Assembly when pro-Ruto MPs prevailed in the first round of their attempt to weaken the Political Parties (Amendments) Bill, 2021, which allows for the formation of coalition parties.

Tangatanga MPs outnumbered their Kieleweke colleagues in the first round of voting, enabling Tigania West MP John Mutunga to make modifications.

Ruto MPs have prepared a slew of amendments to weaken the Bill. On the other side, Uhuru and Raila MPs want the Bill enacted without modifications.

Ruto MPs received 123 votes in favor of the modifications, compared to Kieleweke's 118.

Mutunga had advocated, among other things, that powerful parties be assigned different colors.

Tangatanga MPs have proposed revisions to diminish the function of the Registrar of Political Parties, among other things.

The Bill, as presented by National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya, grants Anne Nderitu's office imperial powers, according to pro-Ruto MPs.

On Tuesday, the Democratic Party cautioned that the new bill would give the Registrar of Political Parties additional ability to oversee the activities of the country's political parties.

During an interview with Inooro TV on Tuesday, the DP said that if the registrar is granted powers, there would be a need for a board to oversee the office's actions, rather than it being a one-man show.

"Let each party make its own decisions regarding its own concerns." It should not be the case that the registrar, for example, decides on the UDA party's judgment. Those are the things we're arguing need to be changed.

"As far as I can tell, there will be a cease-fire in Parliament since the majority of MPs are rational...

"I'm aiming for a win-win, give-and-take situation," Ruto stated.