National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has come under fire for his handling of proceedings during the debate over the contentious Finance Bill 2024, with accusations of bias and procedural irregularities levelled against him by Senators aligned with the Azimo La Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, speaking on behalf of his coalition, criticised Wetangula's conduct, likening him to a DJ at a disco matanga and accusing him of micromanaging debates.
"Speaker Wetangula is running the house like a DJ at a disco matanga in Matisi. He is controlling the mic himself, shutting the mic at any time and interjecting every time a member is making a contribution. He should let the debate flow," Sifuna lamented during a press briefing on Thursday.
The Senators, including Ledama Ole Kina and Godfrey Osotsi, have expressed dismay at what they perceive as biased treatment favouring the government.
Osotsi condemned Wetangula, stating, "Moses Wetangula is running the National Assembly like a baraza in Kamukunji Market, where there is no appreciation of the fact that a speaker should be impartial, independent and must be fair."
Central to their grievances is the Speaker's decision to lock them out of the National Assembly chambers, preventing them from participating in or observing the ongoing debate. Sifuna questioned this move, asserting, "Why should members of parliament be afraid of members of the public? These are the people who elected us."
The exclusion of Senators from the galleries, traditionally open to the public during debates, has intensified tensions within the assembly. Sifuna, also the ODM Secretary General, criticised the closure, emphasising the importance of MPs being present to fulfill their legislative duties.
"The behaviour of the Speaker is wanting, and Wetangula needs to change," Sifuna remarked, criticising what he sees as Wetangula's excessive involvement in debates. "He is making contributions every time. It's like him who wants to debate. He forgets that he's not now an elected member of parliament; he should allow debates to flow."
The Finance Bill 2024, currently under debate, holds significant implications for Kenya's national budget. Should it proceed to the Committee of the Whole House and subsequently be adopted into law, it will take effect on July 1.
Failure to pass the Bill would precipitate a crisis in national finances, with the budgetary process for the next financial year being ten days away.
