Opposition sues Wetang'ula for 'favouring' Sabina

Jubilee Party's Sabina Chege at Parliament buildings, Nairobi. October 27, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has sued National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula claiming that he is giving illegal and preferential treatment to nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege.

After Azimio stripped Sabina of her deputy minority whip position, Wetang'ula stated that she would take up the Jubilee Party's whip position on an interim basis.

However, the Azimio coalition, in its case filed by lawyer Paul Mwangi, argued that it was unfair and illegal for Sabina to be handed an office while all constituent parties were left without deputy whips.

Mwangi accused Wetang'ula of consistently placing hurdles against every effort to remove Sabina from both Jubilee and Azimio's leadership.

He argued that initially, the National Assembly declined to sanction her removal until Azimio followed the process.

Changed tune

According to Mwangi, the Speaker changed tune, this time indicating that he had received a communication from Jubilee's sprinter group to have the party recognised as a parliamentary party.

Wetang'ula had told Azimio that there was a pending court case, in which the House had wait for the outcome. The High Court dismissed the case.

Following the dismissal, according to Mwangi, Azimio communicated its resolution to the Speaker to remove Sabina.

Mwangi claimed Wetang'ula had usurped the powers of political parties to decide who would lead.

At the same time, he said that the Speaker intends to split Azimio.