As talks continue about senior government officials being on the chopping block following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as deputy president by the National Assembly and Senate, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has found himself at the center of speculations.
Speculations about a plan to impeach Speaker Wetang’ula have been rife, though no lawmaker has publicly confirmed.
The National Assembly Speaker, on his part, has remained silent on the matter.
Amid the speculations, Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has addressed the matter.
Kaluma spoke amid reports that lawmakers from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party are behind the purported plan.
Since President William Ruto formed a broad-based government by bringing former ODM members into the Cabinet, the party has been lauded for its efforts in “stabilizing the government”.
MP Kaluma has however dismissed the reports and stated that the seat of the Speaker of the National Assembly will only be vacant when Wetang’ula moves up the ladder of leadership in Kenya.
Also Read: Wetangula Gazettes Kindiki as Deputy President-Elect
MP Kaluma Speaks on the position of Speaker Wetang’ula
The lawmaker pointed out that the speculations are unfounded propaganda, adding that ODM is focused on stabilizing the State.
“Moses Wetangula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, is the 3rd in command in Kenya. Those drooling over his seat and using the media to propagate unfounded propaganda should know the seat of the Speaker of the National Assembly will only be vacant when he moves up and higher in the ladder of leadership in Kenya,” said Kaluma.
He added, “ODM is here to help stabilize the State, not for parochial pursuits.”
This is the second time Kaluma is commenting on the matter having earlier declared that ODM is not interested in any of the speaker positions in both the Senate and National Assembly.
In a statement shared on October 22, the lawmaker stated that ODM has not requested any of its members be elected to the above-mentioned positions.
“The party has intervened to secure national interest and national stability. We are in this for the stability of the State, not for positions,” Kaluma’s statement read in part.
ODM lauded for “stabilizing” government
This comes amid reports that the Raila Odinga-led party is demanding more stakes in President Ruto’s administration, days after the dramatic ouster of Rigathi Gachagua as deputy president.
Also Read: MP Speaks of ODM Going After Speaker Wetangula’s Position
The reports indicated that ODM insiders are asking for more senior appointments in government, for what they see as their role in helping President Ruto stabilize the country.
In addition, the reports said that the party wants to be rewarded for its role in enabling the impeachment of Gachagua, a grueling assignment insiders claim that would have fallen flat without ODM’s backing.
“ODM should get at least 2 more ministries for the good work they have done in stabilizing the government,” said Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai, an ODM insider, in a statement on October 18.
President Ruto’s incorporation of Raila’s allies into his Cabinet neutralized the Gen Z protests.
The head of state has already rewarded former ODM bigwigs with Cabinet appointments.
CSs John Mbadi (The National Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), and Beatrice Askul (EAC) are among those who were rewarded.
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