Chaos erupted in the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon as lawmakers clashed over the controversial Government-Owned Enterprises Bill, which would pave the way for the privatization of 67 state corporations.
During the debate, a group of opposition MPs, led by Deputy Minority Whip and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, argued that the bill was being passed without a proper quorum.
They demanded that the approval be deferred to the following week, with Mbui accusing the executive of exerting undue control over Parliament.
Robert Mbui Suspended After Stirring Chaos in Parliament Over Government-Owned Enterprises Bill. Photo: Courtesy.
Despite the protests, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei allowed Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa to proceed with reading the bill, overriding the opposition’s objections.
The protests escalated when Kathiani MP Robert Mbui attempted to grab the parliamentary mace but was stopped by officials.
Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei rebuked him for causing disorder and suspended him for five days, ordering the sergeants-at-arms to remove him from Parliament.
Shollei also suspended Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe for five days for contributing to the chaos.
Speaking to the press after the suspension, Mbui expressed disappointment with how the Deputy Speaker managed the session.
He further criticised Shollei for allegedly allowing Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa leeway to insult opposition MPs during the debate.
