A parliament session in Kenya descended into chaos on Wednesday after opposition lawmakers tried to block discussions on the introduction of manual vote-counting for next year’s presidential election.
The live video feed from parliament was cut after the fight broke out on Tuesday evening and journalists were ordered out of the press gallery.
The government wants a back-up to the electronic system but the opposition says it is a way of rigging the poll. They are seeking to change the law to allow for a manual system to be put in place to be used to vote, tally, and transmit results should the electronic one fail.
There were signs that it was going to be a tense day as earlier in the day, police in anti-riot gear forced the legislators to trek for some distance to access Parliament buildings after barricading the roads.
After an earlier highly charged discussion over the proposed changes to the electoral law, opposition MP Millie Odhiambo attacked President Uhuru Kenyatta, calling him “extremely stupid”.
Mr Kenyatta gave his initial response to that attack at an event to usher in the festive season, saying “some idiots continue to insult me” but added that it was part of their freedom.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi Tuesday night called another Special Sitting Thursday, minutes after the chaotic session. And in a case of once bitten, twice shy, Mr Muturi in his notice specified the times for the sittings, unlike his summons for Tuesday sitting.
The House, Mr Muturi said, will discuss only the amendments to Elections Act (2011) and the Election Campaign Financing Act (2013), as well as the third reading of the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill 2015, the Daily Nation reports.
