“Parliament Run Like a Marketplace” – Bill to Privatize 67 State Parastatals Passed Amid Chaos

The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Government-Owned Enterprises Bill. The bill proposes privatizing 67 state parastatals. The sitting was chaotic and tense. The bill was introduced through a supplementary order paper, angering opposition MPs.

Deputy Minority Whip Robert Mbui demanded the bill be deferred. He said there was not enough time for debate. Opposition MPs also claimed there was no quorum. They shouted “Point of order! Point of order!” repeatedly. Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei ignored them. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah read the bill for the third time.

The situation escalated when Mbui tried to grab the mace. Orderlies restrained him. Shollei condemned the act. She suspended him for five days. “The reason I am ignoring you is because you are out of order. You attempted to grab the mace. I order the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove you from the House for five days,” she said.

Even after the suspension, some opposition MPs stayed and shouted “No quorum!”. The bill was seconded by Marakwet East MP Kagongo Bowen. After leaving, opposition MPs called the bill unconstitutional. They said the vote lacked quorum.

Mbui defended his actions. He said he would lodge a complaint with the substantive Speaker. “There was no reason for the Deputy Speaker to deny us a chance to speak. Kenyans must know we have a rogue Parliament run like a marketplace. The fight is not over — it will continue after my suspension,” he said.

He also suggested a hidden agenda. “There is a plan to privatize state corporations. I suspect some will be handed to individuals. Why couldn’t they wait until Tuesday? What was so urgent?” Mbui asked.

The bill’s passage has increased political tension. Critics say the fast process undermines parliamentary rules. Supporters argue it is needed for economic reform. The session showed deep divisions within Kenya’s legislature.