A fresh court battle has been launched over the political role of Parliament’s two Speakers.
A petition filed at the Milimani Law Courts seeks to bar National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi from taking part in partisan political campaigns while serving in office.
The case was filed by Vocal Africa through lawyer Ian Mutiso Mbotela.
The petition argues that the Speakers have crossed the constitutional line by appearing at political events in support of President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Campaign Events Were Cited
According to the court documents, Wetang’ula attended several public gatherings between June and July where he allegedly urged Kenyans to support President Ruto’s re-election campaign.
Among the events cited are meetings in Likoni, Emuhaya and Eldoret.
The petition claims that during a rally at Silverline Grounds in Eldoret on July 3, Wetang’ula declared the launch of Kenya Kwanza’s nationwide campaign and encouraged voters to back the President.
Kingi is also accused of taking part in political mobilisation meetings organised by the United Democratic Alliance.
The petition alleges that he attended gatherings in Mombasa and other parts of the Coast region where support for the Kenya Kwanza coalition was promoted.
Constitutional Questions Were Raised
Vocal Africa argues that the Speakers are free to hold political views as individuals. However, it says the authority attached to their constitutional offices should not be used for partisan political activity.
The petition contends that such conduct could undermine Parliament’s independence and weaken its oversight role over the Executive.
It further argues that the alleged actions breach several constitutional provisions, including those relating to leadership, integrity, public service and the separation of powers.
Court Orders Were Sought
The petitioner wants the court to permanently restrain the two Speakers from leading, organising, endorsing or addressing partisan political campaigns while holding office.
The case also seeks orders preventing the use of parliamentary staff, official transport, security personnel and other public resources for political mobilisation.
In addition, the petition asks the court to direct the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the allegations and submit a report within 60 days.
It also seeks an order requiring the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to determine whether any electoral laws were breached and report its findings to the court.
The allegations contained in the petition have now been placed before the court.
The Speakers had not publicly responded to the claims at the time the petition was filed.
The court is expected to determine whether the case raises constitutional questions that warrant the orders being sought.
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