Nairobi – The Azimio la Umoja coalition has withdrawn its members from the powerful House Business Committee in protest against a ruling by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, which upheld the status quo in the House leadership.
Speaking on the floor of the House following Wednesday’s ruling, Majority Leader Junet Mohamed announced the decision, citing instructions from the Azimio parliamentary group.
“Under instructions from our parliamentary group, before you put the question, I have been asked to convey to you on the floor of the House that we have withdrawn our members from the House Business Committee,” Junet stated.
The House Business Committee plays a crucial role in setting the legislative agenda, determining the prioritization of parliamentary business, and issuing directives on House proceedings. Junet argued that any decisions made by the committee in the absence of Azimio members would be illegitimate.
“As such, it would be a nullity for the House to pass decisions on any business before it without Azimio’s input,” he added.
Speaker Wetang’ula’s ruling mirrored a 2022 decision that the High Court, in a ruling on February 7, found could not stand, as there was no proof that the Kenya Kwanza coalition had signed political agreements accommodating 14 defecting MPs from Azimio-affiliated parties.
Despite Azimio’s withdrawal, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah maintained that the committee would continue executing its mandate.
“The House Business Committee is duly constituted. With or without the participation of the four Azimio members, it will sit and discharge its duties,” Ichung’wah said, adding that wrangling over House leadership should not take precedence over service delivery to Kenyans.
Wetangula Rules on Majority-Minority Stalemate, Declares Kenya Kwanza as Majority Party
Following the heated exchange, Junet led Azimio MPs in a dramatic walkout from the House in protest against the Speaker’s ruling.
