Western MPs rally behind Speaker Wetang'ula amid leadership attacks

Members of Parliament from the Western Kenya Parliamentary Caucus have defended National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, calling the smear campaign against his leadership unjustified.

The lawmakers spoke at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, February 13, accusing unnamed individuals of orchestrating the attacks over Wetang'ula's ruling that declared Kenya Kwanza Alliance the majority party in the National Assembly.

"The Speaker is a neutral arbiter, and his rulings are guided by law. The accusations being levelled against him are not only baseless but also an attempt to undermine the integrity of Parliament," said Teso South MP Mary Emase.

Emase said the attacks included misleading media reports ahead of Wetang'ula's guidance on the Majority and Minority Party status in the National Assembly.

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"Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed a sustained attempt to malign the office and person of the Speaker of the National Assembly. Even before he issued his ruling, sections of the media had already framed a misleading narrative in anticipation of his guidance,” noted Emase.

She added, “ In a most unfair manner, the Speaker has been prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced in the court of public opinion."

The MPs present included John Chikati (Tongaren), Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga County MP), Bisau Kakai (Kiminini), Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), and Daniel Wanyama (Webuye West). Others were Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega County MP), Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Fredrick Ikana (Shinyalu), Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale), John Makali (Kanduyi), John Waluke (Sirisia), Martin Pepela (Webuye East), Mary Emase (Teso South) and Nabwera Nabii (Lugari).

The legislators claimed some reports had extended the attacks to Wetang'ula's reputation as a senior lawyer and jurist.

"Speaker Wetang'ula was overwhelmingly elected by MPs and continues to enjoy bipartisan support and full confidence from the House," added Emase.

The lawmakers cited Tuesday's debate in Parliament, where members from across the political divide backed Wetang'ula's leadership.

"We strongly disapprove of the veiled narrative being pushed by enemies of progress," said the MPs in a joint statement.

The group warned against further attempts to discredit the Speaker, saying they would resist politically motivated attacks.

"We put those behind this false and misleading campaign on notice. If they have legitimate concerns, let them face us in the open instead of hiding in the shadows," they said.

The MPs urged political players to avoid politicizing parliamentary decisions, saying such actions undermine the independence of the Legislature.

The statement comes amid growing tensions following accusations from Azimio leaders, who have accused Wetang'ula of favouring Kenya Kwanza in parliamentary proceedings.

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi said the debate had devolved into an unwarranted character attack on Wetang'ula.

 "I think it's very unfortunate. The Speaker is going nowhere; that much we must make clear," noted Elachi.

 She urged Western leaders to remain resolute.

 "Protect your people; you must learn to stand up for them. That's what the country has become. That's how others are protecting their people," she noted.