Landmark Court Ruling Rescues Sabina Chege in Parliament as Azimio Legislators Stand Firm
The National Assembly was suspended for 15 minutes on Thursday as opposition lawmakers protested a decision by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula not to remove Sabina Chege as the deputy minority whip.
Mr. Wetang’ula’s inability to remove Ms. Chege from her position as Azimio’s deputy minority whip in the National Assembly was a reprieve for Ms. Chege.
During a chaotic session in which seven legislators were suspended for five to fourteen days, Mr. Wetang’ula stated that he will act on the matter once the court has rendered a final decision.
Ms. Chege, Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Fatuma Mnyazi (Malindi), Catherine Omayo (Busia), Joyce Kamene (Machakos), Rosa Buyu (Kisumu), and TJ Kajwang (Ruaraka) were suspended for violating Standing Order 107 (a) (3), according to the speaker.
Ms. Chege, Ms. Odhiambo, Ms. Kajwang, and Ms. Buyu were each suspended for two weeks, whereas Mss. Omayo and Mnyazi were suspended for five days, and Ms. Kamene was suspended from two sittings.
Mr. Wetang’ula stated on Thursday that despite Azimio meeting all the conditions he had previously outlined, he is unable to implement the changes due to a court order.
Mr. Wetang’ula stated that the National Assembly has previously complied with a court order and that he has no intention of deviating from this practice, citing the clear separation of powers between the three branches of government.
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In the face of a court order “On the one hand, the minority party has fulfilled all procedural requirements to change its leadership, but on the other hand, I’m confronted with a court order that specifically names the Speaker and the House as parties that appear to challenge an administrative process,” he said.
He continued, “My hands are tied as a result of the court order that has been brought to my attention. Until further information is provided that this order has been modified or revoked, the court effectively suspends the minority party’s decision to remove Sabina Chege as deputy minority whip.”
Mr. Wetang’ula stated that despite his empathy for the minority’s predicament, the House has historically honored court orders.
“I would like to inform Azimio that although you have followed the procedure for removing your deputy minority whip, you are not a party to a court order. Mr. Wetang’ula advised that, if you so desire, you be enjoined in the matter and pursue the matter in court.
Mr. Wetang’ula halted the motion to de-whip Ms. Chege last month because Azimio did not provide a replacement as required by the Standing Orders.
As Ms. Chege’s replacement, Azimio’s Parliamentary Group last month selected Mark Mwenje, a representative from Embakasi West.
Landmark Court Ruling Rescues Sabina Chege in Parliament as Azimio Legislators Stand Firm
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