Wetang’ula declares Kenya Kwanza as majority party in Parliament despite court ruling
He acknowledged that the High Court’s decision had caused confusion but insisted that the numbers in Parliament remained unchanged.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has ruled that Kenya Kwanza remains the majority party with 165 members, while Azimio la Umoja holds the minority position with 154 members.
While making his ruling on Wednesday, Wetang’ula stated that the House leadership would remain unchanged, arguing that the court did not declare any party as the majority or minority, nor did it determine the leadership of either side.
More To Read
He acknowledged that the High Court’s decision had caused confusion but insisted that the numbers in Parliament remained unchanged.
“I have read the judgement, and it has been explained to me at length by our able legal team. The matter is related to a mixed part of prayers. I have instructed that an appeal be launched against the judgment,” he said.
He reiterated that Kenya Kwanza still had a numerical advantage over Azimio, which he argued justified its position as the majority party in the House.
“Azimio la Umoja One Kenya party consists of 154 members. The Kenya Kwanza consists of 165 members. It is notable that the numbers on Azimio are changed by a slight change in membership. However, I decline to engage in this controversy,” he added.
Wetang’ula further directed that an appeal be filed against the High Court’s decision, maintaining that the House leadership structure would remain intact.
“Arising from the foregoing, the Kenya Kwanza is the majority, and the Azimio is the minority. The leadership of the House remains unchanged,” he said.
His decision was however met with strong opposition from Azimio MPs, led by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who rejected his ruling and vowed to take further action.
“As Azimio, we respectfully disagree with your communication… As Azimio, we are going to take further action,” Odhiambo said.
Moments later, a section of Azimio MPs staged a walkout in protest against Wetang’ula’s decision.
The ruling has deepened the ongoing political standoff over parliamentary leadership, which escalated following a High Court verdict that stripped Kenya Kwanza of its majority status.
Justices John Chigiti, Lawrence Mugambi, and Jairus Ngaah ruled that Wetang’ula’s earlier recognition of Kenya Kwanza as the majority party was unconstitutional. The court cited documents from the Registrar of Political Parties showing that Azimio held the majority position in 2022 before 14 MPs defected to Kenya Kwanza.
Following the court ruling, Azimio MPs took over the majority side during the resumption of parliamentary sittings on Tuesday and demanded that Wetang’ula honour the decision.
“The court decided that the Azimio side is the majority coalition. As a parliament, we need to obey court rulings even if we do not agree with them,” Odhiambo said.
The Azimio MPs and Senators made a dramatic entrance into Parliament and the Senate chambers, occupying seats designated for the majority side.
In the National Assembly, chaos erupted as Wetang’ula struggled to maintain order amid loud protests from Azimio lawmakers. MPs, including Kathiani’s Robert Mbui, Mogotio’s Reuben Kiborek, Kisii County Woman Representative Dorice Donya Toto Aburi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Tiaty MP William Kamket, were among those who switched sides in protest.
Wetang’ula, however, dismissed their move and directed them to take any available seats, stating that they were not officially part of the House leadership.
MP Odhiambo raised a point of order, arguing that Wetang’ula should recuse himself from the debate, citing a conflict of interest due to his affiliation with Kenya Kwanza. She suggested that Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei should preside over the matter to ensure impartiality.
A similar confrontation unfolded in the Senate, where ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna led Azimio Senators in occupying majority seats, further escalating the standoff.
During his ruling, Wetang'ula emphasised that he cannot issue directives to halt House operations, adding that his duty is to ensure its smooth functioning.
“The Constitution, laws, and parliamentary conventions do not grant me the option of issuing any guidance that effectively halts the operations of the House. My authority obligates me to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of Parliament for the people of Kenya,” he said.
Top Stories Today
