Kenya’s High Court has issued interim orders preventing National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi from using their offices to support or oppose political parties, coalitions or candidates as a constitutional challenge over their conduct moves forward.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice David Mburu directed that the two Speakers must not use the authority, influence or prestige attached to their offices to organise, endorse, lead or promote partisan political campaigns until the case is heard and determined.
The conservatory orders stem from a petition filed by Vocal Africa, which argues that holders of the two constitutional offices should remain politically neutral while discharging their official duties.
Justice Mburu certified both the petition and the accompanying application as urgent, allowing the matter to proceed on an expedited basis. The court directed that the respondents be served with the petition by the close of business on July 9.
The Speakers and the other respondents have been given three working days after service to file and serve their responses. Vocal Africa will then have two days to file a rejoinder, should it choose to do so.
The matter is scheduled to return to court on July 16, when Justice Mburu will confirm whether all parties have complied with the court’s directions before issuing further orders.
The ruling does not determine the merits of the petition. Instead, it preserves the status quo while the court considers broader constitutional questions surrounding the political conduct expected of the Speakers of Parliament.
The case is likely to attract significant public attention, as it touches on the balance between constitutional neutrality and political affiliation for holders of two of the country’s highest parliamentary offices.
The Speakers have not publicly responded to the court’s orders at the time of publication.
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