HOUSE LEADER

The contentious issue of the Leader of Government Business has returned to haunt Parliament — this time with Speaker Kenneth Marende pledging it will be resolved during this session.

The House has been without a Leader of Government Business for close to two years following a row among the Grand Coalition partners over who between Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Prime Minister Raila Odinga should hold the post.

The responsibilities have been taken over by Chief Whips George Thuo of PNU and Jakoyo Midiwo of ODM, with the Speaker acting as the chairman of the House Business Committee, which sets out Parliament’s agenda. But Mr Thuo lost his seat as the Juja MP through an election petition last month.

PNU has picked Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama as the acting Joint Government Chief Whip. Mr Muthama has been a Deputy Whip.

PNU secretary-general Kiraitu Murungi has already written to National Assembly clerk Patrick Gichohi, informing him about the decision.

On Wednesday, the Speaker informed the House that the controversial matter was discussed at a House Business Committee meeting and gave his pledge that the matter would be put to rest during the current session.