Senate Sessions Halted Due to Power Outage, Sparking Political Chants
The Senate had to halt its sessions on Thursday, May 9, due to a power outage.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna announced the suspension but did not specify whether lawmakers would return to the House if the power was restored during their meeting hours.
“We had to suspend Senate sittings because there was no electricity in Parliament,” Sifuna said.
When the power went out, senators resorted to using their phone flashlights.
This solution did not work well, as legislators began shouting and making fun of each other.
Opposition members chanted “Ruto Must Go,” while ruling party members countered with “Raila Must Go.”
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The blackout coincided with a session at Parliament Buildings where some National Assembly members were debating an impeachment motion against Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
Notably, the opposition did not chant “Linturi Must Go” in relation to the investigation into his handling of the fake fertilizer case.
A week earlier, National Assembly members had used the chant just before approving the motion to impeach the Agriculture Minister.
It was unclear why the Senate did not rely on a backup generator after the power outage.
Parliament depends on electricity not only for lighting but also for audio and live streaming of its sessions.
Kenya Power did not provide an immediate explanation as to whether the outage was due to routine maintenance in the area.
Senate Sessions Halted Due to Power Outage, Sparking Political Chants