The High Court of Kenya recently ruled that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula cannot concurrently serve as the Speaker and party leader of Ford-Kenya, sparking debate over whether he would resign from either position. After the landmark ruling declaring his dual role unconstitutional, Wetang’ula asserted through his legal advisor that he has no intention of relinquishing his powerful posts.
The three-judge bench determined that when Wetang’ula assumed the Speaker position, he forfeited the right to lead his political party Ford-Kenya. They emphasized that simultaneously holding both the impartial legislative post and partisan leadership role violates the constitution.
However, Wetang’ula dismissed the court’s statements that he cannot discharge his duties to both the National Assembly and his party as mere commentary lacking binding effect or practical consequences.
Through advisor Benson Milimo, Wetang’ula conveyed that the ruling precipitates no change in his status or functions.
He remains firmly entrenched as Ford-Kenya’s party leader and the Speaker overseeing parliamentary proceedings.
Milimo stressed that Wetang’ula’s situation is unaltered and citizens affiliated with Ford-Kenya need not worry.
Wetang’ula defended his defiance by contending the court simply expressed opinions that have no significant impact.
He argued the determination did not explicitly demand he resign his Speaker position or party leadership. Rather, it consisted of non-compulsory observations not requiring compliance.
The court made an unprecedented declaration that Wetang’ula relinquished control of his party upon becoming Speaker given the conflicting priorities of an impartial Speaker and partisan leader. But Wetang’ula shows no signs of voluntarily giving up either role despite the judges deeming it unlawful.
Instead, he plans to appeal and overturn the ruling constraining his power. Wetang’ula believes he can simultaneously direct parliamentarian discussions and advance his party’s political interests without contradiction.
By kenyans