Be very afraid, if you sabotage Gender Bill, Mutahi Ngunyi warns MPs
Controversial political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi says that the Chief Justice will dissolve parliament if the Gender Bill does not sail through.
Sharing his views on social media, Mr Ngunyi warned Members of Parliament to be very afraid if of the serious ramifications of failure to pass the bill.
“If the Gender Bill does not pass, Article 261 of the Constitution gives powers to Maraga (David) to dissolve Parliament. Given his history, Maraga will dissolve Parliament,” Ngunyi wrote.
“MPs should be afraid. Very afraid. #GenderBill,” he added.
PARLIAMENT’S DISSOLUTION
When Parliament started debating the Bill on Tuesday, Majority Leader Aden Duale also implored the MPs to ensure the bill sails through.
The bill is seeking to have more women get nominated to parliament in compliance with the two-thirds gender rule.
If the Bill fails to go through, the Constitution allows anyone to seek Parliament’s dissolution if it fails to enact a relevant law within the stipulated time.
GENDER RULE
The Bill, popularly referred to as the Two-thirds Gender Rule, provides that not more than two thirds of the members in appointive and elective public bodies, among them Parliament, should be of the same gender.
It seeks to amend Article 97 of the Constitution to create special seats for women, which will be filled by political parties depending on their parliamentary strength.
The Bill that seeks to actualise Article 81(b) of the Constitution could cost the country about Sh60 million in monthly salaries and allowances for the additional MPs.