Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula during a Parliament proceeding on February 11, 2025/ PARLIAMENT
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has said he will not step down from his position as the Speaker of the National Assembly after the High Court, in a ruling delivered Friday by a three-judge bench, found that Wetang’ula’s dual role as both Speaker and leader of Ford Kenya was unconstitutional.
Responding to Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo, Wetang’ula said there was no motion before the house, adding that being a senior lawyer, he had read the judgment and it did not require him to step down.
“I have read that judgment with a toothcomb, and there is no where it requires the speaker to do as you are saying,” he said.
The judgment in question recognised Azimio as the majority in the National Assembly, with Kenya Kwanza being the minority.
Millie, riding on a standing order, had said since the Speaker could be conflicted as he remains the party leader of Ford Kenya, he should step down and let his Deputy to preside over the proceeding.
Wetang’ula said in the past, under similar situations in the 10th Parliament, a motion was tabled to discuss the conduct and possible vacation from office by then Speaker Justin Muturi.
He noted that Muturi presided over the debate.
He went on to note that in the seventh Parliament, a motion was tabled to discuss the conduct and character of then speaker Francis Ole Kaparo. Kaparo presided over the procedures.
“I’m sure you know that neither Kaparo nor Muturi left office on the basis of any motion,” he said.
Wetang’ula added that as the speaker, he does not debate or vote over matters, only holds a position of “honour to preside over your proceedings," assuring that he will give opportunities to those who want to talk about the judgment.
“It is finally going to be Yours Truly to give you a ruling over the matter. It must be made very clear as we listen to each other that neither the court nor any authority outside this chamber can make declarations that business here except yourselves by voting and the speaker delivering the ruling,” he said.
The Speaker said the House is a quasi-judicial body, and as it is, he will listen to the proceedings and give a fair finding.
Merriam-Webster defines quasi-judicial as having a partly judicial character by possession of the right to hold hearings on and conduct investigations into disputed claims and alleged infractions of rules and regulations and to make decisions in the general manner of courts.
Wetang’ula assured that he will listen to any other MP who wants to raise orders similar to Millie’s.
The Speaker warned that the lawmakers are only to analyse the judgment and not disparage the name or image of any judge.