Tuesday, 1 April, 2025
Security Committee reviews the assumption of Office of the President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2025𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
The Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, led by Narok West MP, Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, today convened a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the Assumption of Office of the President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2025.
The Bill sponsored by the Majority Party Leader, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, aims to amend the Assumption of the Office of the President Act.
It seeks to establish clear procedures and ceremonies for the assumption of office by the president-elect in line with Article 141 of the Constitution, ensuring a smooth transition of executive authority both before and after a presidential election.
During the session, the Committee engaged with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Office of the Deputy President, the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, the Head of Public Service, the Office of the Attorney General and the National Police Service, to gather their perspectives on the Bill.
In her presentation, Dr. Aurelia Rono, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, affirmed the Department’s full support for the Bill. This sentiment was echoed by representatives from the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, as well as the Attorney General’s office.
Representing the Office of the Deputy President, Mr. Henry Mwaura, Head of Legal, expressed conditional support, proposing amendments to Clause 9(f) to explicitly include the Deputy President-elect by stating, “organize for the necessary facilities and personnel for the President-elect and Deputy President-elect.”
Additionally, the Office called for revisions to Clauses 18(2) and 18(3), which address the Committee’s responsibilities and the timelines for providing information.
Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, also appeared before the Committee, expressing the National Police Service’s support for the Bill, with a few minor amendments.
In its deliberations, the Committee emphasized the need to scrutinize the composition of the Assumption of Office Committee, aiming to clarify the roles and capacities of individual members. It also recommended setting clear timelines for actions currently restricted under Clauses 8(3)(b), 14, 15, 20(2), 21(2), 23(2), and 24(1).
The Committee is expected to develop a report on its consideration of the Bill to be tabled when the House resumes next week.