A plenary sitting of the National AssemblyMPs commended former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his African Union Commission chairperson bid during their first sitting after Saturday’s vote, hailing him for his courage and Pan-Africanism ideals.
Most of the lawmakers had travelled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, alongside other leaders and Kenyan citizens to support Raila.
Raila, who was Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson seat lost to Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Youssouf.
Raila faced Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato in the elections.
House Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had earlier confirmed that he had received about 40 notifications from MPs planning to make the journey to Ethiopia to support Raila.
He granted them the leave and lauded them for their patriotism.
The MPs travelled in their private capacities as citizens and leaders and therefore were self-sponsored.
Beyond the call of duty
During Tuesday’s sittings, while lauding Raila for his effort, also congratulated Youssouf on his election as AUC Chairperson.
"This House records its congratulations to Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on his election as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on February 15, 2025," he said.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah dismissed bribery allegations and claims that Raila’s candidature for the seat was politically motivated.
“President Ruto did not choose to support Raila Odinga because he was his competitor in the last elections or because they have served in ODM together. He chose to support Odinga as a deserving Kenyan and African statesman,” he said.
Minority Leader Junet Mohammed hailed Raila’s effort, calling his campaign a symbol of Kenya’s commitment to African leadership.
“It requires a lot of determination to step out and say, ‘I want to represent my country at a very high level in the African Union’," he explained.
Nyando MP Jared Okelo said President William Ruto went beyond the call of duty to support Raila despite being political rivals in the past.
“History will judge President Ruto favorably for this,” he stated.
Gold Processing Bill
During the week, MPs commenced debate on the Gold Processing Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 46 of 2023), which seeks to establish a legal and institutional framework for gold processing in Kenya.
The Bill proposes the creation of the Gold Processing Corporation. It also seeks to establish a legal and institutional framework for collecting, purifying, smelting, fabricating, homogenizing, sampling, registering, monitoring and transporting of gold or gold products.
Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, who is the sponsor of the Bill noted that proper regulation of the gold sector could significantly contribute to the economy.
“Gold processing has boosted exports and revenue in other countries including Sudan. A comprehensive legal framework will enable the country to accumulate good reserves and encourage foreign exchange,” he argued.
Social work professional Bill
MPs further rallied behind a Bill seeking to recognise and professionalise the social work profession in Kenya.
The Institute of Social Work Professionals Bill, (National Assembly Bill No. 17 of 2023) seeks to establish the Institute of Social Work Professionals, which will regulate the training, registration, and licensing of social workers.
It also outlines provisions on discipline, financial matters, and penalties for violations
The Bill proposes to regulate the social work profession in Kenya, establishing an institute for social workers, and ensuring professional recognition, training, and licensing.
"This Bill defines social work as the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of societal issues through specialised knowledge in health, education, and social services. Key provisions include the establishment of the Institute of Social Work Professionals, a regulatory council, an examination board, and a disciplinary framework for practitioners," Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu, who is the sponsor of the Bill, said.
Call for audit
Meanwhile, Isiolo Woman Rep Mumina Bonaya raised concerns over the transparency and accountability in the management of the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF), calling for a forensic audit of the fund’s expenditures.
Seeking a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, Bonaya questioned the use of public funds meant for sports development.
