The power struggle between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio is causing delays in reconstituting National Assembly committees, especially influential budget committees. Azimio seeks control over key committees but faces internal conflicts and challenges from defections. Kenya Kwanza is also navigating its own internal rivalries, complicating the situation further and raising concerns over potential disruptions to the budget-making process.
The ongoing conflict between the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition is hindering the reconstitution of National Assembly committees. Central to this impasse is the control of pivotal committees such as the Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Finance and Planning Committee, which play a significant role in formulating the nation’s financial strategies.
The Azimio coalition, led by Raila Odinga, demands leadership over these committees as part of a cooperative framework with the ruling coalition. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula reported that the selection process is incomplete due to ongoing negotiations between the leaders of both coalitions.
Concerns have arisen regarding possible disruptions to the budget-making process, which must adhere to specified constitutional deadlines. In response, Wetangula has temporarily assigned the Management of the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and Medium-Term Debt Strategy to the Liaison Committee.
Azimio aims to lead five essential committees: Transport, Energy, Finance, Health, and Labour, to enhance its oversight capabilities. However, internal disputes mainly regarding the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have emerged within the coalition due to leadership changes following John Mbadi’s departure to the Cabinet.
Caleb Amisi has been proposed by Raila Odinga to replace Mbadi at the PAC, but this transition has been impeded by internal conflicts. Additionally, defections from Azimio-aligned parties like Jubilee and UDM have created uncertainties about the status of these defectors as opposition members.
Kenya Kwanza is also experiencing internal strife, with parties like UDA, ANC, and Ford-Kenya competing for key committee positions. Speculation suggests that President William Ruto’s allies are keen to minimize the influence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in committee assignments.
The ongoing power struggle between the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the Azimio coalition is obstructing the reconstitution of National Assembly committees, particularly regarding budgetary oversight. As negotiations continue, there are indications that both coalitions face internal conflicts that may further complicate the process. The urgency of adhering to constitutional timelines for the budget-making process has prompted temporary measures from the National Assembly Speaker, but the situation remains tense.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
