Ken Lusaka gives notice to Nasa, Jubilee over House committees

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka has given House leaders until November 20 to submit names of their members to various committees.

Mr Lusaka on Tuesday reaffirmed the critical role the committees play in the success of house business.

BILLS

House rules require that all bills go through the committees before they are debated.

Mr Lusaka said failure by the Senate to set up the committees had paralysed House business.

The House has not established the committees owing to the political stand-off pitting Jubilee against the National Super Alliance (Nasa) over August 8 and October 26 presidential elections.

Nasa has refused to submit names of its House leadership and committees in protest of declaration of President Kenyatta as the winner of October 26 repeat election.

Before the House adjourned for a month-long recess on October 13, Mr Lusaka had ordered the two sides to submit their nominees to the commit by today, Monday, November 7.

DEADLINE

However, Nasa wrote to Mr Lusaka last week and pleaded to be given until November 31 to submit the lists.

Mr Lusaka has acknowledged receipt of the letter but rejected the request.

He said giving the opposition more time would not be in the interest of the voters owing to the heavy legislative agenda before the House.

"It is because of the request for more time from Nasa that I have allowed the two sides until November 20 to supply the lists."