Speaker Moses Wetangula Directs Petitions Committee to Report Back Next Week on Matter Regarding Delimitation of Boundaries

National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has directed the Public Petitions Committee to table a response or a report on a petition first introduced in the House on 27th August last year, regarding delimitation of electoral units.

Hon. Wetang’ula issued the directive following a complaint raised by Nairobi County MP, Hon. Esther Passaris, over the petition which had been filed by the Centre for Accountability Reform and Democracy (CARD).

In the petition, the CARD had noted that Parliament was yet to formulate a legal framework for creation and determination of sub-locations, taking into account the mandate of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries (IEBC) in delimitation of electoral boundaries.

Hon. Passaris noted that the urgency of resolution of the stalemate had been elevated by the recent National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report which also rooted for a speedy completion of boundaries delimitation as soon as IEBC had been fully reconstituted.

“I seek your indulgence to cause the Chairperson to explain why it has taken inordinately that long to conclude the matter and to make a commitment to this House on when the report should be expected,” urged Hon. Passaris.

Chief Whip of the Majority Party Hon. Naomi Waqo said she would follow-up on the matter.
Hon. Wetang’ula said he would meet the Committee and its Members regarding the issue of backlog of pending petitions.

“I direct that you bring a response or report on the petition by Wednesday next week,” said Hon. Wetang’ula.

Other Members who commented on the issue said the speedy disposal of public petitions was crucial for closure on a myriad of issues raised by Kenyans.