Ruto Summons MPs For First Parliament Address

President William Ruto will officially open and address the 13th Parliament on Thursday, September 29.

This is according to a notice shared on Friday, September 23 by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and his Senate counterpart Amason Kingi.

Ruto will address a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly in the afternoon of that day while opening the 13th Parliament.

A past Parliament session. /FILE

“Following a notification by H.E. the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, H.E. (Dr.) William S. Ruto, CGH, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Speaker of the Senate have scheduled a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament to take place on Thursday, 29th September 2022 commencing at 2.30 pm for purposes of opening the 13th Parliament,” read the notice in part.

After Ruto's address, the sitting will be adjourned until the Speakers convene both houses to carry out business officially.

According to the Standing Orders, Wetangula shall lead the session assisted by Kingi.

“When delivering an address to the House, the President shall be heard in silence and the address shall not be followed by any comment or question,” reads part of the Standing orders.

He will congratulate the newly elected leaders as well as reiterate his agenda for the country.

President Ruto is expected to discuss several issues regarding the roll-out of his administration and rally MPs to play their part in delivering his campaign manifesto.

This comes amidst an intense battle between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalition for the Majority positions in the National Assembly.

At Kenya Kwanza, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah was nominated for the position of leader majority of the National Assembly with Kilifi North MP Owen Baya picked to deputise him.

South Mugirango lawmaker Sylvanus Osoro was nominated as the Chief Whip for the majority side and will be deputized by nominated Senator Naomi Waqo.

Azimio nominated Ugunja MP, Opiyo Wandayi, as the leader of the majority position in the National Assembly. His Suna East counterpart Junet Mohamed was fronted for the majority whip position.

Nominated MP Sabina Chege was nominated for the Minority Whip position in the 13th Parliament. Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka announced the list on Saturday, September 17 at Azimio La Umoja parliamentary group in Athi River.

In the Senate where Azimio is one senator short, the coalition opted for the minority seats.

Kilifi senator, Stewart Madzayo, was nominated as the leader of the minority.

National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, will rule on which faction takes the majority positions in the August House. 

National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula. /FILE