Wetangula Disqualified as Speaker – Raila

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has strongly criticized National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula for challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision on the contentious housing levy in the Supreme Court. Raila, speaking at Kamukunji grounds on Sunday, asserted that Wetangula’s decision renders him unfit to be the Speaker of Kenya’s Parliament.

Raila emphasized that Wetangula, having been present when the flawed housing levy bill was passed by legislators, lacks the moral authority to contest its ruling. During the parliamentary session, Wetangula oversaw the passage of the bill, and according to Raila, this compromises his position as the Speaker.

In response to the Court of Appeal’s ruling, both the National Assembly and Wetangula jointly filed a notice expressing their dissatisfaction and intention to appeal the decision before the Supreme Court. The notice stated, “Take notice that the National Assembly and the Speaker of the National Assembly… intend to appeal to the Supreme Court of Kenya against the whole of the said ruling.”

The Court of Appeal, in its decision delivered on January 26, 2024, highlighted public interest in the matter and echoed the High Court’s finding that the housing levy lacked a legal framework upon its introduction.

Raila’s critique centered on Wetangula’s involvement in the legislative process leading to the housing levy’s approval, suggesting a conflict of interest in his subsequent challenge. He argued, “Wetangula does not qualify to be the speaker of Kenya. No one in the world a speaker does what he has done.”

The controversy surrounding the housing levy has ignited political tension, with key figures taking opposing stances. Raila’s vocal opposition to Wetangula’s appeal underscores the broader debate about the legitimacy and legal standing of the housing levy.

As the situation unfolds, the political landscape in Kenya remains dynamic, with stakeholders closely watching the legal proceedings and the potential implications for both the housing levy and the leadership of the National Assembly.