Azimio MPs walk out after Wetang'ula declares Kenya Kwanza majority side

Tensions ran high in the National Assembly on Wednesday, February 12, as lawmakers from the Azimio la Umoja coalition staged a walkout in protest of Speaker Moses Wetang'ula’s ruling that declared Kenya Kwanza the majority party.

The ruling, delivered during the afternoon session, affirmed that Kenya Kwanza has 165 members, comprising those elected on United Democratic Alliance, Amani National Congress and Ford Kenya tickets, among others.

Azimio, which includes the Orange Democratic Movement, Wiper Party and Jubilee, was ruled to have 154 members.

Wetang'ula also said 12 independent MPs and four vacant seats were not factored into the coalition numbers.

“The Kenya Kwanza Coalition is the majority party of the House, while Azimio la Umoja is the minority party of the House,” said Wetang'ula.

Azimio MPs, led by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, walked out of the chambers in protest, later addressing the press in the media room to voice their opposition.

Odhiambo said that Azimio would take further action, insisting that they follow the rule of law.

“We disagree with the speaker’s ruling, but as Azimio, we will adhere to legal avenues,” said Odhiambo.

The walkout follows ongoing disputes over the composition of parliamentary leadership.

Wetang'ula maintained Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah would continue as Majority Leader, while Junet Mohamed would remain the Minority Leader, respectively.

He also noted that he had not received formal communication from the parties regarding any changes in leadership positions.