The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has called out National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula over his remarks regarding the party’s move to expel rebel members.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 13, Party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna challenged Wetangula to resign from his position and engage in political conversations.
According to Sifuna, the position of National Assembly Speaker calls for neutrality on political party matters in the country.
The Nairobi Senator noted that as speaker, Wetangula assumes the role of leading the legislative arm of government and becomes an arbiter in the house.
“But we draw a line on the involvement of the Speaker of the National Assembly who, while holding an office that makes both head of the third arm of the government and therefore a supposed arbiter cannot take sides in partisan matters,” the statement read in part.
Further, he accused Wetangula of recently taking sides with the ruling faction, a trend he describes as “sad” and a departure from the precedence set by past speakers.
While referring to past speakers of parliament, Sifuna challenged Wetangula to take a path of statesmanship as opposed to taking political sides in partisan politics.
Parliament’s independence
He maintained that his party is keen on refraining from attacking the speaker out of respect for his position as the leader of the legislative arm.
However, he underscores that continued interference with ODM’s affairs will not be met with kindness as it goes against the constitution.
According to Sifuna, the Constitution of Kenya 2010 envisaged an independent parliament through the doctrine of separation of power.
Also read: Jalang’o Breaks Silence After ODM Expulsion
“The 2010 Constitution was enacted to save the country from executive capture of independent institutions and state organs. It may be a good enough time for Speaker Wetangula to read that document and be reminded of responsibility to uphold and protect the independence of parliament,” Sifuna stated.
ODM Expulsion Politics
Sifuna’s demands came on the back of heated politics following the decision to kick out five MPs from ODM.
According to the Nairobi Senator, Wetangula’s remarks while addressing a gathering in Migori County last week translate to partisan leadership.
He affirmed that ODM is determined to ensure all expelled MPs lose their seats in line with the party’s discipline measures.
Moreover, Sifuna noted that, in the event the party succeeds, Wetangula would have to announce the resulting vacancies as the Speaker.
Also Read: ODM Expels Jalang’o, Four Other Pro-Ruto MPs
ODM announced the expulsion of Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda and three other MPs as part of its disciplinary action against rebels.
In addition, two others were fined and asked to apologize over their actions deemed to have gone against the party’s stand.
However, three of the expelled members secured orders from the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal suspending their expulsion until a case filed before it is determined.
