Ruto to address joint Parliamentary sitting

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto is set to address a joint Parliamentary sitting, comprising of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators.

The Head of State will do so on Thursday, November 09, 2023, from 2.30pm.

The announcement was made via a gazette notice dated November 3, 2023, signed by Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Masika Wetang’ula, and his Senate counterpart, Amason Jeffa Kingi.

“Notice is given to all Members of the National Assembly and the general public pursuant to Article 132 (1) (b) and (c) of the Constitution of Kenya and Standing Order 22 of the National Assembly Standing Orders,” the notice reads in part.

“The President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H, shall address a Joint Sitting of Parliament on Thursday, 9th November 2023, at 2:30 p.m. in the National Assembly Chamber, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi.”

It will be Ruto’s second national address as president to Senators and MPs. His first address was on September 29, 2022, few days after being sworn in as the country’s 5th president.

He will use the opportunity to inform law makers of his legislative agenda, besides keeping Kenyans abreast of what he has been able to achieve after one year in office, alongside his plans going forward.

The address will come a week after United Kingdom’s King Charles III’s maiden visit to Kenya.

The King and his wife, Queen Camilla travelled back to the UK on Thursday afternoon, after a four-day official visit of the county.

It was the Royals first official visit outside Europe, since being crowned in May, 2023.

Article 132(1) of the constitution stipulates that the president shall address the opening of each newly elected Parliament and a special sitting of Parliament once every year, and at any other time as needed.