Parliament sitting on 'Ruto land-grabbing saga' postponed after Babu Owino declines to exit

A showdown ensued in the National Assembly on Thursday during a session where Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Gedi was set to table evidence to substantiate claims she made earlier accusing Deputy President William Ruto of land-grabbing.

Speaker Justin Muturi was forced to invoke the Standing Orders and adjourn the session which had degenerated into a shouting match to May 10, 2022, at 2:30 pm.

The postponement was preceded by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s refusal to exit the House following Muturi’s order after he made a statement that allegedly infringed on Muturi’s capacity as House speaker.

“Hon. Babu Owino we are in the National Assembly. What did you just say? I order you out of the Chamber. We need mature debate here,” said Muturi as he called on the Sergeant-at-Arms to eject Babu Owino from the House.

The Embakasi East MP however remained adamant and instead of leaving the House went back to his seat and remained put.

Efforts by the House orderlies to eject him were futile as other MPs allied to Babu Owino’s side came to his defence and began to engage the sergeant at arms in an argument.

The scene persisted for over five minutes forcing the speaker to call off the session.

“When the speaker’s order is being disobeyed and the people assisting in that are members that is great disorder. We cannot continue with the sitting,” said Muturi.  

“So honourable members the proceedings of today are adjourned. The House will resume on May 10, 2022 at 2:30 pm.”

Muturi however reiterated that the order to have Babu Owino out of the House would not be vacated.

Gedi, who arrived at Parliament buildings with a suitcase she claimed contained the evidence, was however interrupted on a number of occasions by legislators allied to DP Ruto while those affiliated to other factions urged her to continue making her statement.

The DP Ruto allies claimed that the so-called evidence tabled in the House by Gedi could not validate her claims.

This led to a commotion and standstill as the opposing factions exchanged words and disrupted the session much to the dismay of Muturi, who attempted to contain the situation.

“When Gedi says that she has this document to prove her claims, please allow her to bring her document. It is not your business to rule on the authenticity of the said documents,” Muturi said.  

Gedi was on Tuesday ordered by Muturi to present the evidence before the House and substantiate her claims after alleging that DP Ruto dubiously obtained parcels of land in Trans Nzoia, Wajir, Taita Taveta and Nairobi counties.