The Senate will on Tuesday next week call for a specially sitting to discuss the controversial Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
Speaker Kenneth Lusaka has recalled the lawmakers to debate the bill that seeks to create coalition parties.
The sitting follows a petition by Majority leader Samuel Poghisio and his minority counterpart James Orengo.
“I have received a request both from the Leader of Majority and Leader of Minority to convene a special sitting on Tuesday next week, which I have approved, and I will be gazetting the siting,” Lusaka said.
The controversial bill was passed by the National Assembly in a chaotic session on Wednesday night.
Allies of Deputy President William Ruto employed all manner of tactics, including several amendments in an apparent attempt to frustrate and defeat the bill that seeks to anchor ODM Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja as a coalition party.
But their attempts were repulsed by Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s troops.
Often, the sessions degenerated into chaos with members exchanging blows.
Shouting matches, name-calling and verbal attacks characterised the sitting.
But Lusaka said he is expecting a sober debate in the senate devoid of chaos and violence witnessed in the sister house.
“I expect senators as is the norm to debate soberly, with decorum and reason,” the speaker said.
If Senators approve the bill as passed by the National Assembly, it would be sent to the President for assent and subsequent implementation.
Should Senators amend the legislation, it will have to be taken back to the National Assembly for consideration.
In the event Senators introduce drastic amendments to the bill, it will be subject to mediation in a committee comprising members of the Senate and National Assembly.
