MPs will pass the gender rule, Duale promises Uhuru

The two-third gender rule Bill will be passed when the house returns from recess, National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale has said. The house resumes on May 9.

On Thursday last week during his sister’s funeral service, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the bill should be passed when Parliament resumes and implemented.

Duale said he will have the Bill printed today. “I want to tell the president that I have taken the challenge and instructions and I want to ask Members of Parliament to support that Bill when we resume,” he said.

Duale spoke at Garissa Ndogo. He asked his colleagues to support the bill that will allow an increase in the number of special seats in Parliament.

The Bill will guide implementation of the two-thirds requirement in the National Assembly and Senate membership and other elected and appointed government positions.

The two-third gender rule constitutional requirement says membership of a public elected or other body may not be comprised of more than two-thirds by the same either gender.

Duale and legal experts are said to be considering narrowing the constitutional amendment Bill, sponsored by Justice and Legal Affairs Committee chairman Samuel Chepkonga.