National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has reiterated that determining the majority coalition in Parliament is his responsibility, not that of the courts. Addressing lawmakers on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Wetang’ula emphasized that although a court ruling overturned his earlier decision on the issue, it did not assign majority status to any coalition.
“The judgment quashed the direction of the Speaker on the majority-minority issue; the judgment never declared who is the majority. It is not the court to declare the majority, it is the Speaker of this house and you better know that,” Wetang’ula stated.
The court ruling has sparked intense political debate, with some lawmakers interpreting it as a victory for the Azimio coalition in the ongoing contest for majority status. However, Wetang’ula stood firm in his stance, asserting that the judgment did not compel him to declare a majority coalition.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo challenged Wetang’ula’s interpretation, warning that disregarding the court ruling would amount to impunity. “This matter did not go to court in vain; the contestation was your considered ruling. Once that ruling is quashed, you cannot then come and say that no decision has been made,” Amollo argued. He further emphasized that Parliament must respect judicial rulings and uphold the rule of law.
The ruling has also led to calls for Wetang’ula to step down. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo demanded the Speaker’s resignation, citing a conflict of interest. “Mr Speaker, I humbly request you to step down and mandate Gladys Boss Shollei to take over,” Odhiambo said, urging Parliament to respect court decisions.
In response, Wetang’ula dismissed the resignation calls, asserting that no formal motion had been filed against him. “There’s no motion before this House about the Speaker. I am a senior lawyer in this country and I’m your senior, Millie Odhiambo,” he said, adding that the judgment did not compel his resignation.
