National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is under mounting pressure after a petition was formally submitted to Parliament, calling for his removal. The petition, filed by Nakuru-based activist Laban Omusundi through the Clerk of the Assembly, accuses Wetang’ula of engaging in partisan politics, which Omusundi argues undermines the impartiality and integrity of his office.
“The Speaker is supposed to be a neutral arbiter, but his involvement in partisan politics disrespects the integrity of his office,” Omusundi stated in the petition. The activist pointed to Wetang’ula’s statements during President William Ruto’s tour of Western Kenya in January 2025, where he reportedly expressed strong support for the President and declared that the Western region was Ruto’s “last line of defense” against political opposition.
Omusundi also criticized Wetang’ula’s involvement in the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in September 2024. He claimed that the Speaker had expressed support for the impeachment motion before it was officially introduced in Parliament, an act which he believes violated the Standing Orders and preempted the debate. “The Speaker uncharacteristically assured the President that the Western region was behind his administration,” the petition reads, emphasizing what Omusundi sees as an inappropriate display of political alignment.
Further accusations against Wetang’ula include his efforts to present himself as President Ruto’s political point man in Western Kenya, a role Omusundi suggests undermines his position as Speaker. “He presides over a House with anti-government MPs and invites conflicts of interest in the subject matter,” the petition asserts, warning that Wetang’ula’s actions could set a dangerous precedent.
In response to these concerns, Omusundi has called for MPs to initiate a censure motion against Wetang’ula, citing violations of Article 75 of the Constitution, which mandates parliamentary leaders to maintain impartiality. As of now, Parliament has officially received the petition, and it will be allocated to the relevant committees for further review and deliberation.
