Former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi has called for National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to step down as the leader of Ford Kenya, citing constitutional concerns. Havi argues that holding both positions simultaneously breaches the requirement for the Speaker to remain apolitical. He emphasizes that the Constitution, along with the Political Parties Act and the Leadership and Integrity Act, mandates the Speaker’s impartiality. Havi stated, “We cannot have a situation where a party leader also assumes the role of arbiter in the National Assembly.” He further contends that Wetang’ula’s refusal to resign as party leader renders him ineligible to continue as Speaker, suggesting that a motion for his removal should be initiated in the National Assembly.
This development follows a High Court ruling that declared Wetang’ula cannot hold both positions simultaneously. The court also nullified the appointments of Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa and Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, citing a lack of evidence that certain legislators had entered into a coalition agreement with Kenya Kwanza. The judges ruled that Wetang’ula’s decision to alter the parliamentary leadership structure in favor of Kenya Kwanza was unconstitutional.
The court’s decision has intensified the debate over the separation of powers and the need for political neutrality in key parliamentary roles. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the National Assembly to see how it will address these constitutional concerns.
By tuko