John Mwangi
Nairobi, Kenya.
The Kenyan National Assembly descended into chaos Thursday afternoon as lawmakers passed the contentious Government-Owned Enterprises Bill, 2025, paving the way for the potential privatization of 67 state parastatals despite fierce opposition protests and claims of procedural violations.
The bill was introduced for debate through a supplementary order paper during the Committee of the Whole House and pushed through its third reading amid sustained objections from the United Opposition. Deputy Minority Whip Robert Mbui led the dissent, urging the House leadership to defer the vote to next week for further scrutiny.
Tempers flared as opposition MPs shouted “Point of order!” and accused the Deputy Speaker of proceeding without the required quorum. Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, however, overruled their objections, allowing Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to read the bill for the third time.
The standoff escalated dramatically when Mbui, in a fit of frustration, attempted to seize the ceremonial mace—the symbol of parliamentary authority—but was quickly restrained by orderlies.
Shollei condemned the move as “gross misconduct” under Standing Order 107A, ordering Mbui’s five-day suspension from the House.
“The reason I am ignoring you is because you are grossly out of order. In fact, you have attempted to grab the mace. I therefore order the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove you from the precincts of the House for five days,” Shollei declared as security escorted Mbui out amid jeers and chants of “No quorum!” from opposition benches.
Video footage of the session showed Mbui being forcibly removed as Marakwet East MP Kagongo Bowen seconded the motion, clearing the way for passage of the bill amid uproar.
The Government-Owned Enterprises Bill, 2025 (National Assembly Bill No. 40) seeks to restructure and commercialize state corporations to enhance accountability, efficiency, and financial self-reliance.
The government argues that the reforms will end decades of inefficiency and reduce taxpayer losses.
Opponents, however, warn that the bill opens the door to unchecked privatization of strategic national assets without sufficient public consultation or parliamentary oversight.
Outside Parliament, an unrepentant Mbui told reporters he stood by his actions, accusing the leadership of bulldozing the bill through Parliament.
“There was no reason for the Deputy Speaker to deny us an opportunity to speak. Kenyans must now know we have a rogue Parliament being run like a marketplace. The fight is not over—it will continue after my five-day suspension,” he said.
He further alleged a “hidden agenda” behind the rush to pass the bill, suggesting that certain individuals stood to benefit.
“There’s a plan to privatize state corporations, and I suspect some people already have their eyes on these assets. What was so urgent that it couldn’t wait until Tuesday?” Mbui questioned.
The incident adds to growing political tensions surrounding President William Ruto’s economic reform agenda, which includes the restructuring of loss-making parastatals to attract private investment.
The bill now moves to the Senate for concurrence before being presented for presidential assent. Opposition leaders have indicated plans to petition Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and possibly seek judicial review, echoing earlier court battles over privatization moves earlier this year.
Parliamentary proceedings resumed shortly afterward.