President Kenyatta is scheduled to deliver his first State of the Nation address since assuming office for his second and final term.
The Head of State will deliver the address to the 12th Parliament in a joint parliamentary sitting at the main chambers. On Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi notified MPs about the President’s address that is slated for May 2nd at 2:30pm.
Unlike in the past, this year’s address is set to be a unique one, coming a time when the country is experiencing low political temperatures following last month handshake between President Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
A similar address by President Uhuru in 2016 was marred by dramatic incidences as opposition affiliated MPs whistled and made noise as he read his speech.
This led to eviction of a number of them from the chambers after orders by the Speaker for disrupting the President’s address contrary to the standing orders. Among those who were thrown out was Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, MPs Millie Odhiambo, Fred Outa and Simba Arati.
The State of the Nation address is an annual constitutional requirement where the President outlines the progress made in the realization of the national values.
