Chaos erupted in Parliament today after Minority leaders led by Junet Mohamed, Millie Odhiambo, and Robert Mbui defiantly took their seats on the Majority side, leaving United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Whips in confusion. The dramatic move followed a High Court ruling that upended the current power structure, triggering a heated standoff between Speaker Moses Wetangula and opposition MPs.
Millie Odhiambo swiftly petitioned Speaker Wetangula to relinquish his office to Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, citing the court ruling that declared his handling of Majority-Minority matters biased. However, Wetangula dismissed the request, arguing that no substantive motion had been presented and that the court did not explicitly order him to vacate.
“The House has the final say on its proceedings. I will give a final verdict on this matter,” Wetangula stated firmly, dismissing pressure from opposition lawmakers.
The legal and political standoff intensified as Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo warned against disregarding the court’s decision.
“The only way we can debate whether the court ruling affects the Majority and Minority status is if we choose to practice impunity. If we are to respect the rule of law, let the ruling be appealed. Until then, let Junet be the Majority Leader,” Amollo insisted.
Millie Odhiambo backed the stance, making an official submission to the Speaker’s office.
“As the Majority Party Whip, I have formally handed over a copy of the High Court decision. We are giving you our Majority Leader, Junet Mohamed. As Parliament, we must obey court rulings even when we don’t agree with them,” she asserted.
In a moment of pure political theater, Junet Mohamed basked in his newfound position, taking a swipe at his rivals.
“I’m privileged to speak from the seat of the Majority Leader. The seat is very warm, unlike mine, which was very cold. I didn’t know Parliament seats have different warmth, Mr. Speaker. I don’t foresee myself leaving this seat anytime soon,” Junet quipped, sparking laughter and tension in equal measure.
With the Speaker standing his ground and the opposition unrelenting, the battle for control of the Majority side of Parliament is far from over. The ruling party is expected to challenge the decision, setting the stage for a legal and political showdown that could redefine the balance of power in Kenya’s National Assembly.
Will Speaker Wetangula’s final verdict resolve the impasse, or is Parliament heading into a full-blown crisis? Stay tuned for more updates.
