Kenya Kwanza, Azimio Fight in Parliament After Wetangula's Ruling

Chaos in Parliament as Kenya Kwanza and Azimio MPs fight over maze on Thursday, October 6, 2022.
Chaos in Parliament as Kenya Kwanza and Azimio MPs fight over maze on Thursday, October 6, 2022.
File

Chaos erupted in the National Assembly on the afternoon of Thursday, October 6, after a fight broke out between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza lawmakers.

Both parties fought for the mace shortly after speaker, Moses Wetangula, declared Kenya Kwanza as the majority side in the house.

Wetangula first attempted to calm down the charged politicians before he adjourned the House to Tuesday, October 11 at 2:30 pm.

The Sergeant-at-Arms and other security personnel later rushed to protect the speaker as the crowds closed in on him. 

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during a past parliamentary sitting.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during a past parliamentary sitting.
Twitter

While walking out of the House, Wetangula was attacked by members of the Azimio party who hurled insults and further accused him of favouring Kenya Kwanza.

"Order Honourable members, this house will stand adjourned until Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 2:30 p.m," announced Wetangular amid jeers.

The mace is regarded as the overarching symbol of the authority and dignity of the House as well as the Speaker presiding over the House.

Prior, the Speaker declared Kenya Kwanza as coalition with the majority members of the house with 179 against that of Azimios' which stands at 157 members.

He further justified his conclusion citing article 108 of the Constitution which states that the Leader of the Majority Party will be the leader of the largest party or coalition of parties.

"That, with the 14 Members, the membership of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition stands at 179 Members while the membership of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party stands at 157 Members," stated the speaker.

Following the ruling, Kikuyu, MP Kimani Ichungwah will be the Leader of the Majority and will be deputised by his Kilifi North counterpart Owen Baya.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi will be the Leader of the Minority side and will be deputised by Kathiani lawmaker Robert Mbui.

How canceled special sitting could cost Kenyans
Members of Parliament during a session in the 12th Parliament.
KBC
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