MPs resume sittings with focus on Ojwang’s death, police reforms and protest crackdown
At the top of the agenda is a Bill from the Attorney-General’s office aimed at setting clear rules on how public participation should be conducted across the Judiciary, Legislature, and Executive.
As the National Assembly reconvenes on Tuesday after a three-week break, the MPs are preparing to focus on key legislation that will shape how Kenyans participate in governance and how electoral and digital financial matters are handled.
At the top of the agenda is a Bill from the Attorney-General’s office aimed at setting clear rules on how public participation should be conducted across the Judiciary, Legislature, and Executive.
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The Public Participation Bill, 2024, which has been extensively reviewed through public consultations, defines the rights of citizens attending public forums and outlines the methods and criteria for involving them.
The Bill requires authorities to create plans for public participation, use media channels to reach wider audiences, publish reports on consultations, and ensure feedback is collected and shared.
Special attention is given to including persons with disabilities, with requirements for translation services, sign language interpreters, and accessible information to make participation meaningful.
The Bill also demands transparency, prohibiting authorities from withholding information only to reveal it after consultations are complete.
The need for such legislation stems from past challenges where the courts nullified laws for ignoring public views, despite the Constitution’s call under Article 118 (1) (b) for inclusive decision-making involving citizens at every stage.
Ojwang's death
As reported by the Daily Nation, on Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen will appear before Parliament to address pressing issues, including the death of blogger Albert Ojwang at Central Police Station.
Ojwang was reportedly taken from his home in Homa Bay by police before his death.
Murkomen will also respond to a question from Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo about the treatment of protesters and civilians by security officers during demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo has raised concerns about the increasing number of deaths in police custody, citing Ojwang’s case among others across the country.
The CS is further expected to give a timeline for the rollout of body cameras for police officers as part of reform efforts he announced last month.
In addition to the public participation matters, Parliament will consider the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025, which sets out how virtual asset businesses will be regulated.
The Bill establishes licensing procedures, oversight responsibilities, and measures to reduce risks from misuse of virtual assets.
MPs will also prioritise the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was developed following recommendations from the National Dialogue Committee chaired by President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, this Bill aims to hold Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials accountable by imposing up to five years in prison or a fine of up to Sh2 million for those found guilty of electoral misconduct.
The legislation also seeks to criminalise unreasonable delays in announcing election results or altering the outcomes after declaration, aiming to restore public confidence in electoral processes.
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