Parliament has directed that all Members shall henceforth be subjected to security checks before accessing premises of the House.

Presenting a report of the Legal Affairs Committee on the review of Standing Orders to enhance security measures at Parliament and Bill Processes, the Committee’s Chairperson Peter Dimba said security checks will be extended to all visitors and staff with the exemption of the President and his Vice.

The development follows the death of former Second Deputy Speaker of the House Clement Chiwaya who shot himself within Parliament promises on 30 September 2021.

According to Dimba, no offensive weapon will be allowed in the House.

On Bills, the Committee has recommended that the 28 day will now strictly be complied to avoid the incident where the Baroda Bank Loan Authorisation Bill was smuggled into the House.