High Court Bars Wetang’ula, Kingi From Using Speakers’ Offices in Political Campaigns
According to the petition, the Speakers occupy offices that demand neutrality and impartiality, even though they retain individual political rights as Kenyan citizens.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
The High Court has temporarily barred National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi from using the authority, prestige or influence of their constitutional offices to participate in partisan political campaigns.
Justice David Mburu issued the conservatory orders after certifying as urgent a constitutional petition filed by Vocal Africa, which accuses the two parliamentary leaders of engaging in political mobilization activities that compromise the independence of Parliament.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the application.In his orders, Justice Mburu directed that the petition and the accompanying application be heard on a priority basis.
He also ordered that all respondents be physically served with the court documents by the close of business on July 9.The judge restrained Wetang’ula and Kingi, while serving as Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate, from using or benefiting from the authority, dignity, prestige or influence attached to their constitutional offices in organizing, promoting, endorsing, leading or conducting partisan political campaigns in support of or against any political party, coalition or candidate.
The case stems from allegations by Vocal Africa that the two Speakers have repeatedly participated in political rallies and campaign events associated with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, raising concerns over whether their conduct is consistent with the constitutional requirement that Parliament remains institutionally independent.
According to the petition, the Speakers occupy offices that demand neutrality and impartiality, even though they retain individual political rights as Kenyan citizens.
The lobby group argues that the dispute before the court is not about the personal political beliefs of the two office holders. Instead, it concerns the alleged use of the authority and influence of the offices they hold to advance organized partisan political activities.
Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid, in a supporting affidavit, said the petition was filed solely in the public interest.”This Petition is brought solely in public interest and not for the advancement of any political party, candidate, coalition or private interest whatsoever. Neither the Petitioner nor I stand to derive any personal, financial or political benefit from the outcome of these proceedings,” Khalid said in court documents.
The petition names the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Attorney General as respondents alongside the two Speakers.
Vocal Africa is asking the court to issue declarations defining the constitutional obligations attached to the offices of Speaker of the National Assembly and Speaker of the Senate. It also wants the court to determine whether continued participation in partisan political campaigns by the holders of those offices violates the Constitution, including the leadership and integrity principles set out in Chapter Six.
The High Court scheduled the matter for mention on July 16, 2026, to confirm compliance with its directions and to issue further orders on the hearing of the petition.The case is expected to test the constitutional boundaries between the political rights of senior parliamentary leaders and the obligation to preserve the neutrality and institutional independence of Parliament.
Its outcome could shape future standards governing the conduct of holders of constitutional offices during political campaigns, particularly as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
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