Summary:
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has filed a lawsuit against National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, accusing him of constitutional violations. The coalition, led by Raila Odinga, alleges that Wetangula delayed the removal of nominated MP Sabina Chege as Azimio’s Deputy Chief Whip and wrongfully recognized Jubilee as a parliamentary party.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, led by Raila Odinga, has taken legal action against National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, alleging constitutional violations. According to court documents, the coalition accuses Wetangula of delaying the removal of nominated MP Sabina Chege as Azimio’s Deputy Chief Whip and improperly recognizing Jubilee as a parliamentary party.
The coalition is seeking a court declaration that Chege’s position and Jubilee’s recognition as a party are unconstitutional. They also demand the repayment of public funds spent on Chege’s alleged office. The court documents state, “…Declaration that the purported position of the whip of the Jubilee Party as a Parliamentary Party be declared unconstitutional and revoked…”
Azimio further contends that Wetangula’s actions violate critical sections of the law, including the right to equality and freedom from discrimination, usurpation of powers, undermining the independence of political parties, denial of access to justice, and misappropriation of public funds.
The opposition party’s arguments are rooted in a previous ruling where Wetangula, instead of dewhipping Chege as requested by Minority Whip Opiyo Wandayi, recognized Jubilee Party, part of Azimio, as an independent parliamentary party, contrary to the law. Despite attempts by the Minority Leader to inform Wetangula that Jubilee remained part of Azimio, the Speaker recognized Chege as the Jubilee Party Whip.
“In communication No.77 of 2023, the Respondent recognized the Jubilee Party as a Parliamentary Party and appointed Sabina Chege as the whip of the Jubilee Party in the interim,” noted the letter. “Through the same communication, Respondent also guided on the allocation of facilitation to the whip of the Jubilee party, Sabina Chege.”
Azimio argues that Wetangula’s approval for Chege to assume the interim office and receive facilitation constitutes a misuse of public funds, further violating the law.
FAQs:
Q: Why is Azimio taking legal action?
A: Azimio alleges that Speaker Wetangula violated the constitution by delaying the removal of Sabina Chege as Deputy Chief Whip and incorrectly recognizing Jubilee as a parliamentary party.
Q: What does Azimio seek from the court?
A: Azimio is requesting a declaration that Chege’s position and Jubilee’s recognition as a party are unconstitutional. They also seek the repayment of public funds spent on Chege’s alleged office.
Q: What sections of the law does Azimio claim were violated?
A: Azimio contends that the Speaker’s actions infringe on sections of the law, including the right to equality, freedom from discrimination, usurpation of powers, undermining political party independence, denial of access to justice, and misappropriation of public funds.