Kenya Insights

Tag: Wetang’ula impeachment

  • Looming Fallout: Azimio Threatens To Impeach Wetangula

    Looming Fallout: Azimio Threatens To Impeach Wetangula

    The opposition coalition has threatened to impeach National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula over alleged impartiality in his ruling, which contradicted a High Court decision declaring the Azimio coalition as the majority in Parliament.

    Minority Leader Junet Mohammed criticized Wetangula’s handling of the matter, accusing him of inconsistencies regarding the status of 14 MPs who defected from Azimio after signing post-election agreements with Kenya Kwanza.

    “When he made his first ruling, which was overturned by the court, he claimed the 14 members were part of Kenya Kwanza. Now, he says they are in political limbo—neither in Azimio nor Kenya Kwanza. This is a deliberate manipulation of numbers to ensure Kenya Kwanza remains the majority,” Junet said.

    The Suna East MP also questioned why the Jubilee Party was now being considered part of Azimio, despite Wetang’ula’s previous ruling stating that the party had defected to Kenya Kwanza.

    “We have always maintained that Jubilee is still part of Azimio, yet today he says the party is in Azimio. This ruling is full of contradictions and will be overturned in court, just like the previous one. Parliament is not immune to constitutional interpretation by the courts—it is not a court of appeal,” he added.

    ”Suppression

    The opposition also took issue with Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss for writing to the Registrar of Political Parties to seek details on post-election agreements, questioning her motives.

    “It’s going to be messy and noisy, and there will be casualties, I can promise you. The way Parliament is being handled is alarming. While we see broad-based governance in the Executive, Parliament is becoming one-sided,” Junet warned.

    Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo reiterated that political agreements must be guided by the law and accused the Speaker of deliberately suppressing Azimio’s numbers.

    “The 14 members who are supposedly in a political vacuum have done so to deny Azimio its rightful majority. Despite shifting political alliances, legal frameworks must be respected,” she stated.

    Minority Deputy Party Leader Robert Mbui also condemned Wetang’ula’s conduct, accusing him of bias and suppressing opposition voices during debates.

    “We have confirmed that the Speaker is not impartial. Throughout the debate, we noticed he was silencing us and blocking some of us from contributing. This is unacceptable and amounts to poor parliamentary practice,” Mbui said.

    Contested ruling

    Wetangula upheld the Kenya Kwanza Alliance as the majority coalition in the National Assembly in a fresh declaration following the High Court decision nullifying his initial declaration.

    In his ruling on the implications of the court decision on House proceedings, the Speaker cited post-election agreements filed with the Registrar of Political Parties as a key factor in determining the majority status.

    He referenced coalition agreements from the Registrar, which indicated that 14 MPs from five political parties had exited Azimio La Umoja, thereby denying the opposition coalition the majority status it sought.

    “Arising from the foregoing, the Kenya Kwanza Coalition is the Majority Party, and the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party is the Minority Party in the House,” Wetangula ruled.

    A letter from the Registrar of Political Parties confirmed the formal exit from Azimio by the People’s Liberation Party, Maendeleo Chap Chap Party, Devolution Empowerment Party, United Democratic Movement, and the Pamoja African Alliance.

  • Isolating Wetang’ula: Inside Ruto’s Strategy to Dominate Luhya Leadership

    Isolating Wetang’ula: Inside Ruto’s Strategy to Dominate Luhya Leadership

    When President William Ruto stepped into Embakuli Church of God in Kakamega County, the political tension crackled in the air.

    It was clear that a scheme was brewing to sideline Speaker Moses Wetang’ula from Luhya politics. Ruto’s entourage included powerful leaders, and the atmosphere was charged with ambition and rivalry.

    As rumors of Wetang’ula’s impeachment swirled, political leaders laid bare their ambitions, revealing a fierce struggle for dominance in the region.

    With 2027 on the horizon, every word spoken carries weight as alliances shift and new power plays emerge.Isolating Wetang'ula

    How Ruto Is Isolating Wetang’ula and Rallying Support for Mudavadi

    At the church service, Western Kenyan leaders passionately urged Ruto to retain Musalia Mudavadi as the next Interior Cabinet Secretary. They believe Mudavadi’s experience and political savvy make him the right choice to replace Kithure Kindiki.

    The call for Mudavadi’s elevation reflects the region’s desire for stronger representation in government during this tumultuous time.

    Senator Bonnei Khalwale praised Mudavadi for his leadership skills. He argues that Mudavadi could unite Western Kenya and elevate the region’s status in national politics.

    Meanwhile, Central Organisation of Trade Unions secretary Francis Atwoli emphasized that having leaders like Mudavadi, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Wetang’ula in key positions signals a significant shift as 2027 approaches.

    The Cracks in Luhya Unity

    However, the political landscape is not without cracks. Mudavadi faces growing dissatisfaction among his supporters, who accuse him of sidelining them in favor of alliances with older political figures. Some feel betrayed and are shifting their loyalty to Wetang’ula.

    The recent impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua intensified the struggle. Local MPs, like Christopher Aseka, were clamoring for Mudavadi to ascend to the Deputy President position if Gachagua is ousted.

    Wetang’ula, as Speaker of the National Assembly, is in a powerful position but faces opposition from those close to Mudavadi, who are eager for a shift in allegiances.

    Mudavadi’s Aspirations vs. Wetang’ula’s Authority

    Mudavadi is eager to establish himself as the Luhya kingpin ahead of the 2027 elections. He has begun courting ODM allies, eyeing their support for a fight against Wetang’ula. Yet, Wetang’ula’s camp argues that the Speaker’s position entitles him to a higher status.

    They point out that Wetang’ula was elected and had to fight hard for his role, contrasting with Mudavadi’s seemingly easier path to power.

    As the conflict escalates, bitter rivalries and shifting alliances become increasingly evident. With each passing day, the battle lines grow bolder, and ambitions rise.

    Both leaders are strategizing, taking to the ground, and rallying supporters to their side, but one thing is clear: the political stakes are high, and the future of Luhya leadership hangs in the balance.

    Isolating Wetang’ula vs The Fight for Relevance

    As Mudavadi and Wetang’ula clash, the future of Luhya politics faces uncertainty. Mudavadi believes he can secure his legacy and lift the people of Western Kenya. However, he must navigate through a minefield of past loyalties and division.

    The political scene is dynamic and charged, with the 2027 elections rapidly approaching. In this fierce political environment, every alliance, every speech, and every social media post counts.

    The battle for Luhya dominance is not just a matter of pride; it is about the future direction of the region and its people. Who will emerge victorious from this chaos? Only time will tell as the power struggle heats up.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDvAVbE8Vqw