Speaker Moses Wetangula Shuts Down Azimio After Ruling on Majority

A picture of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula in his office at Parliament Buildings on September 8, 2022.
A picture of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula in his office at Parliament Buildings on September 8, 2022.
Parliament of Kenya

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, ordered Azimio La Umoja lawmakers to refrain from countering and debating his rulings in Parliament, arguing that his verdicts cannot be opposed. 

Azimio MPs, on Thursday, October 6, protested his declaration of Kenya Kwanza as the coalition with the majority members in the 13th Parliament.

"In the traditions of the house under standing orders and practice, once a Speaker makes a ruling such as the one I have made, it is not subject to debate, it is not appealable and it stands as it is.

"There will no be further debate on this matter! You are all very senior members and the new colleagues want to learn from you, so do not give them misdirections on the procedure," Wetangula stated, citing the standard operating procedure of the Parliament.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during a session on Thursday, October 6, 2022..jpg
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during a session on Thursday, October 6, 2022.
The National Assembly

Speaking on the floor of the August House, Wetangula dismissed a submission made by the leader of the minority and Ugunja MP, Opiyo Wandayi. 

Wandayi wanted the speaker to retract his ruling on the matter, insisting that the Raila Odinga-led Azimio coalition was the majority. 

"I do not agree with the ruling. Therefore in line with the rules of natural justice, tenets of democracy, and established jurisprudence, I would like to give notice that we shall be moving you to review your decision.

"I will be asking you to direct the Clerk to facilitate my coalition with the certified copies of your ruling by close of business today," Wandayi moved.

After shutting down the MP, Wetangula directed the House to continue with the proceeding as listed on the order paper which had been cut short. MPs, prior to Wetangula's ruling debated President William Ruto's address to the Parliament on Thursday, September 29. 

However, chaos erupted in the National Assembly as MPs allied to Azimio and Kenya Kwanza clashed. Wetangula's efforts to recall the House to order proved futile. He thus adjourned the House to Tuesday, October 11. 

As chaos ensued, the sergeant at arms formed a barricade around the Speaker and led him out of Parliament as a section of dissatisfied MPs attempted to get hold of him. 

Meanwhile, Kikuyu lawmaker Kimani Ichung'wah assumed the position of the leader of the majority and will be deputized by Kilifi North MP Owen Mbaya.

On the other hand, the leader of the minority, Opiyo Wandayi, will be deputized by Kathiani MP Robert Mbui.

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.
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