Manyatta Member of Parliament John Gitonga Mukunji has proposed changes to the National Assembly Standing Orders to require a two-thirds quorum for the passage of future Finance Bills amid public criticism over low participation during the recent June 18 vote.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

During an interview on Monday, June 22, Mukunji argued that the Finance Bill is among the most consequential pieces of legislation considered by Parliament because of its impact on citizens and the country’s political and economic landscape, as evidenced by events in 2024.

He maintained that such a Bill should be subjected to stricter voting requirements similar to those applied during impeachment proceedings.

“There should be a different prerequisite for voting on the Finance Bill, and I believe we should go to the levels of impeachment, requiring that we need to raise the quorum to two-thirds when we are voting for such a consequential bill in the lives of our people,” he said.

📌 What You Need to Know

The proposal comes after only 162 MPs participated in the Third Reading vote, despite the National Assembly comprising 349 elected and nominated members.  Of those who voted, 122 supported the Bill while 40 opposed it, while 187 MPs did not take part in the final vote.

Under current Standing Orders, the National Assembly can conduct votes provided the House meets the quorum threshold of 50 members; however, the absence of more than half of MPs during the Finance Bill proceedings has raised questions about representation and accountability.

“If you cannot participate in this, then you are not representing your people,” stated Mukunji, who has confirmed he will be vying for the Embu Governor seat in 2027 under the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

According to Mukunji, some MPs may have avoided participating in the vote due to concerns over public perception and political affiliations.

“Judging from what has happened on this bill, that 187 members didn’t vote, many of them fearing to be seen voting on this side or that side, depending on who they want to impress,” he added.

He said Parliament should review its rules to ensure lawmakers are compelled to take a position on legislation with far-reaching implications for Kenyans.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke