Follow the Law! Havi, Millie accuse Wetangula of overreach

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula is under growing pressure to step down from his role as Speaker or Ford Kenya leader over concerns about impartiality.

 During an interview on KTN on Wednesday, February 12, former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo argued that holding both positions compromises parliamentary integrity.

 Havi called for a swift resolution, saying, "For good order, the stalemate must be resolved as soon as possible."

 Odhiambo accused Wetangula of ignoring a court ruling by reaffirming Kenya Kwanza as the majority in the National Assembly.

"The Speaker acted as a judge on appeal in a matter already decided by three judges," she noted.

 Hours earlier, Wetangula ruled that Kenya Kwanza holds the majority, a position Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya disputes. He cited a letter from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties stating that five parties had left Azimio, altering parliamentary numbers.

 The letter listed the People’s Liberation Party (formerly National Rainbow Coalition-Kenya), Maendeleo Chap Chap, Devolution Empowerment Party, United Democratic Movement and Pamoja African Alliance as having exited Azimio.

 Odhiambo dismissed the Speaker’s reliance on the Registrar’s communication, saying the office lacks the mandate to determine party membership in Parliament.

"Either these members are in Azimio or Kenya Kwanza, but the Speaker attempted to navigate that distinction because it affected parliamentary numbers," she said.

 Some MPs have called for Wetangula’s impeachment, arguing that his dual role compromises impartiality. "Musalia Mudavadi resigned as ANC party leader after being appointed Prime Cabinet Secretary. Did ANC collapse? No," said Havi.

"So why does Wetangula believe he is an exception?"

 Azimio leaders rejected the ruling, warning of further action. "As those who adhere to the rule of law, we respectfully disagree with your communication. We will take further action," Odhiambo said.

 Wetangula defended his position, stating, "It’s not necessarily popular or likeable, but it’s the law. When you obey the law, sometimes you step on toes, but the law remains the law."

 At the same time, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah moved a motion to constitute the House Business Committee, setting Parliament’s agenda.

The nominees included MPs Robert Mbui (Kathiani), Francis Kajwang (Ruaraka), Adan Keynan (Eldas) and Sarah Korere (Laikipia North).

 In protest, Azimio MPs staged a walkout, with Minority Leader Junet Mohamed announcing that the Opposition had withdrawn its nominees to disrupt House proceedings.