National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula on Wednesday reprimanded Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi after the latter criticised the government over the arrest of Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o on Tuesday.
Speaking on the floor of the house, Wandayi had claimed that Nyakang'o is being targeted for exposing runaway corruption within the government and her strong stance against misuse of public funds.
However, responding to the claim, Wetang'ula warned the MP, holding that such comments were sub-judice with direct implications on a case that is already before court.
“This is a matter before the court, and what you are saying now is likely to undermine the integrity of the case, including the case of the person you are defending.”
While making his remarks, the MP also attacked the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), holding that the current office holder failed to ensure that the law was followed when effecting Nyakango's arrest.
In his statement, the Minority leader reminded the house that every Kenyan citizen has rights and the DPP has to ensure that before someone is charged in court with a criminal offence, the charges leveled against them meet the evidence threshold.
However, Wetang'ula stopped Wandayi in his tracks telling him that he was crossing the line.
The Speaker further warned the rest of the house to avoid taking the direction adopted by the minority leader.
Ainakboi MP, Chepkonga Kiprono, accused the Minority Leader of misleading the house by interpreting the law selectively.
“The Controller of Budget is a State Officer. He should also have referred to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Act”
“When you selectively read the law, and then you tell us what the total import of the law is, you mislead the house and the public.”
The member further accused the minority leader of abdicating his responsibility of demonstrating leadership on the floor of the house.
