National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is facing increased scrutiny over his perceived alignment with President William Ruto’s administration. As the National Assembly reconvenes next Tuesday after a three-week break, questions arise about Wetang’ula’s ability to steer House business amidst nationwide protests against the government.
The Controversial Return
The National Assembly returns from recess against a backdrop of countrywide protests addressing issues like corruption, high living costs, and perceived governmental arrogance. The storming of Parliament by anti-tax protesters prior to the break has only heightened tensions, placing Wetang’ula, a key Ruto ally, in a challenging position.
Public Confidence Shaken
The recent protests, which saw young demonstrators storm Parliament Buildings to express their anger over the contentious Finance Bill 2024, have significantly eroded public confidence in Parliament. MPs are now under pressure to navigate contentious issues such as revisiting the dropped finance bill, reviewing budget cuts, and vetting new Cabinet secretaries and the Inspector General of Police.
Leadership and Integrity Concerns
Wetang’ula’s tenure as Speaker has seen the National Assembly approve nominees for public positions without rigorous scrutiny of their integrity or past records. Laws enacted under his watch have been declared unconstitutional by the courts, raising concerns about the legislative process’s integrity.
Defense and Criticism
While some, like Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, defend Wetang’ula’s impartiality and diligence, others, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Nominated Senator Godfrey Osotsi, accuse him of favoritism and micromanagement. The criticism highlights the tension between Wetang’ula’s role as Speaker and his political affiliations.
Eyes on Parliamentary Leadership
As Parliament resumes, attention also turns to whether President Ruto will make changes to the House leadership. Key figures like Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa and Finance and Planning Committee Chairperson Kimani Kuria face scrutiny for their roles in the contentious finance bill.
Controversial Rulings
Wetang’ula’s recent rulings on issues such as the affordable housing bill, the finance bills for 2023 and 2024, and the status of nominated MP Sabina Chege have sparked controversy. His decisions have often been perceived as aligning with the government’s interests, further fueling opposition criticism.
Future Challenges
Looking ahead, Wetang’ula and MPs face a litmus test in the upcoming sessions. The public will be watching closely to see whether Parliament will prioritize public interest over executive whims. The challenges of addressing contentious legislation and restoring public trust will be significant.
Call for Accountability
The call for accountability extends beyond Wetang’ula, with the entire parliamentary leadership under scrutiny. The next sessions will be critical in determining whether Parliament can regain public confidence and uphold its role as a check on executive power.
