Kenya Senate Forced To Suspend Session Due To Attendance Deficit
On Tuesday morning, the Senate was forced to adjourn a meeting due to a lack of quorum.
Lawmakers were scheduled to discuss a variety of subjects, but the majority of senators were absent, with only a few legislators present in the chambers.
This was in stark contrast to last week’s sessions when MPs addressed the impending impeachment of DP Rigathi Gachagua. Quorum was not a concern at the time.
“The Senate of Kenya morning session has been adjourned due to lack of quorum pursuant to the Senate Standing Order 40 subsection 2,” the Senate communicated through its official channels.
The Senate of Kenya morning session has been adjourned due to lack of quorum pursuant to the Senate Standing Order 40 subsection 2. #SenateLive
— Senate of Kenya (@Senate_KE) October 15, 2024
The quorum issue forced the session’s interim speaker, Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, to order that the quorum bell be rung for 10 minutes in order to secure the quorum for commencement.
The quorum bell is symbolically struck to notify senators who were in the Senate precincts to attend a sitting.
The temporary Speaker of this session @kathuriMurungi1 has ordered the quorum bell to be rang for 10 minutes to achieve the quorum for commencement of this morning session. #SenateLive
— Senate of Kenya (@Senate_KE) October 15, 2024
Deputy Speaker Murungi adjourned the meeting, citing a shortage of Senators, and stated that the House would resume the afternoon session at 2.30 p.m.
According to Senate Standing Orders, for the House to transact or do any business of the day, at least 15 senators must be present in the Chamber.
This comes as the Senate prepares to hear the impeachment case of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday, October 16 and Thursday, October 17.
The Senate has the final say on whether Gachagua will remain in office after the National Assembly voted to remove him last week. The courts, on the other hand, have the power to protect the deputy president.
Gachagua is charged with 11 counts, including severe violation of the Constitution, insubordination, unlawful wealth accumulation, and jeopardizing national unity by making divisive public statements.
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The Senate may extend the hearings until Friday, October 18, to give parties more time to study materials and cross-examine witnesses if necessary.
Gachagua has, however, filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to prevent the Senate from discussing his impeachment.
On Monday, Chief Justice Martha Koome convened a three-judge panel to hear and decide the Deputy President’s applications.
The High Court is set to rule on whether to stop the impeachment trial on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.
Kenya Senate Forced To Suspend Session Due To Attendance Deficit
