On Tuesday, February 11, when National Assembly sittings resumed, chaos reigned as Azimio MPs took up positions on the majority side in accordance with a court ruling that removed Kenya Kwanza’s majority status.
Just before the afternoon session began at 2:30 PM, the Azimio MPs arrived in Parliament and took their places on the Majority side.
Although there were interruptions from the Azimio faction, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula began the day’s proceedings. These disruptions hindered Kilifi North MP Owen Baya from addressing an Auditor General report.
This compelled Wetangula to pay attention to concerns brought up by Azimio, spearheaded by Suba South MP Millie Odhiambo. She pointed out that, because of the conflict of interest, the speaker should resign and let his deputy, Gladys Boss, assume the role.
She also supported the idea of Wetangula naming her as the Majority whip, Junet Mohamed as the Majority leader, and Robert Mbui as his deputy.
The three justices of the High Court – Jairus Ngaah, John Chigiti, and Lawrence Mugambi – ruled that Speaker Wetangula should resign because of the conflict inherent in his dual role as Speaker and leader of Ford Kenya.
“Mr Speaker, if you examine the court’s ruling, they drew the conclusion that your roles as Speaker and party chair are at odds with each other.” She said, “I humbly request you to step down and appoint Gladys Boss Shollei to take over the functions of the speaker.”
Junet supported Millie’s comments by urging the House to respect the court’s decision; citing that the ruling party should not be the Majority.
Speaker Wetangula dismissed the resignation calls, stating that the judgment did not instruct him to resign.
