Let Governors Be, CIC To Parliament

CIC Chairman Charles Nyachae termed the Order of Precedence Billas 'petty' and 'populist'.

The Bill, that was passed by the National Assembly, seeks to strip Governors and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of 'His Excellency' and 'Honourable' titles respectively.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call to Homa Bay County Governor, Nyachae said to a large extent, this was an exercise in futility.

"From where I sit and for us as a commission, I am not persuaded that in terms of priorties for the people of Kenya, this is what the National Assembly should be engaging in, telling us who speaks before who at public meetings," said Nyachae.

Nyachae was accompanied by the CIC commissioner Prof. Peter Wanyande.

The Bill has elicited mixed reactions from across the political divide.

COURT BATTLE

Meanwhile, a court battle is looming after the Council of Governors vowed to move to court to challenge the Bill.

The Council of Governors says the Order of Precedence Bill that is seeking to scrap-off their recognition titles and sirens and strobe lights on chase cars is in bad faith.

“The Bill is unnecessary and unconstitutional. We are all in agreement as a team and our legal committee will move to High Court to seek a clarification in relation to the Constitution,” said Siaya County Governor Cornel Rasanga.

The Bill, which now awaits the President’s assent, bars anyone from referring to Governors as their Excellencies.

The Bill, sponsored by Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan, proposes a fine of not less than one million shillings or a jail term of 12 months for anyone who contravenes the law.

By Maureen Murimi