The stalemate over which side holds the majority in the National Assembly, which disrupted proceedings on Tuesday afternoon, is set to be resolved today, Wednesday.
This follows a ruling by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who asserted that Parliament cannot be injuncted and confirmed that he would issue a final decision on the matter.
Chaos erupted on Tuesday when Azimio Party members from both the National Assembly and the Senate caused a commotion by occupying the majority side.
Led by Junet Mohammed, the opposition disrupted House proceedings, demanding that Parliament comply with a recent High Court ruling recognising them as the majority side.
A photo collage of the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Members of Parliament at a past sitting.
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke
The dispute stems from a High Court ruling on Friday that overturned Speaker Wetang’ula’s earlier decision to declare Kenya Kwanza as the majority in the National Assembly.
”The Majority leader in the National Assembly Mr Speaker is honourable Junet Mohammed the Member of Parliament for Suna East constituency. I am going to serve the country very diligently Mr Speaker,” Mohammed insisted.
”The only issue is, is it the finding of the court? And it is Mr Speaker and if we are to be a country that practices the rule of law let it be appealed. But until then, let it be implemented, let Junet be the leader of the Majority,” his Rarieda counterpart Otiende Amolo added.
The chaos in the House prompted the Speaker to intervene, urging both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza members to restore order, but his pleas went unheard.
This forced the sergeants-at-arms to step in, reinforcing security in the chambers and safeguarding the mace to prevent further disruption.
Azimio members, led by Millie Odhiambo, demanded Speaker Wetang’ula step aside, arguing that he could not be impartial.
However, Wetang’ula swiftly responded, insisting that the ruling did not contain any specific directives regarding the Speaker’s position.
”The judgment does not cast aspersions on the Speaker presiding,” Wetang’ula responded in a rejoinder.
“Neither the court nor any other authority outside this Chamber can make a declaration that affects the conduct of business here except yourselves by voting and the speaker giving you rulings,” he added.
While addressing a house sitting on October 6 last year, Wetang’ula declared that Kenya Kwanza is a coalition of parties with the majority members and as such satisfied the dictates of the law as the bonafide majority side.
Members of the National Assembly during a recent parliamentary session.