National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, on Monday, June 5, was criticised for failing to take action against President William Ruto's threat to Members of Parliament who plan to oppose the Finance Bill 2023.
Speaking in Nairobi, the National Assembly leader of the minority, Opiyo Wandayi, stated that Wetangula needed to be firm in opposing attempts by the Executive to intimidate lawmakers over their stance on the Bill.
The Ugunja representative opined that the speaker ought to maintain integrity and be impartial in the ongoing debate.
"The tone of Ruto's address at that event in Narok is unacceptable. That is a threat against MPs. There are attempts to interfere with the operations of Parliament.
"Wetangula must stand firm and protect it from being invaded," he stated.
On the other hand, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah wondered why the speaker had not rebuked his ally over the statements made at a rally in Narok County.
He described Ruto's statements as unfortunate, alleging that the Head of State was attempting to bully the legislators into passing the Finance Bill.
Omtatah added that most lawmakers had lost faith in Parliament, contributing to his decision to challenge the Bill in court.
"You (Wetangula) cannot be the head of institutions which is under attack, and then you side with those on the offensive," he stated.
While acknowledging the opposition to the Finance Bill by a section of Kenya Kwanza MPs, Ruto asked MPs to vote publicly instead of adopting a secret ballot.
The Head of State explained that the MPs' stand on the Bill needed to be known while promising to crack the whip on those who opposed it.
"I agree that we should know where each MP voted. I am waiting for the Members of Parliament who will go and vote against the employment of these young people who voted for them," he stated.
On his part, Wetangula - who also attended the same event as Ruto - expressed support for the head of state, noting that hard decisions ought to be made for the country's good.
"Your Excellency, there is a lot of heat that is not generating any effect. As a friend, I want to advise you that you should never fear to act or act in fear," the Speaker advised.
According to the Parliamentary Service Act of 2019 and National Assembly Standing Orders, the Speaker is considered an ex-officio member of the August House and is expected to maintain impartiality on all matters.
MPs will debate the Bill on Thursday, June 8, a week before the 2023/24 budget is presented in Parliament.
