Kitutu Chache North MP Defends Wetangula
“The Speaker has freedom to express his opinion and give views on matters of public interest, and the exercise of this right cannot be negated,”
Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Mokaya. Photo by Japheth Mokaya.
By Robert Mutasi
Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Mokaya came on Wednesday,October 2, 2024,to the defense of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, following Starehe MP Amos Mwago’s call for Wetangula’s resignation over alleged bias during the impeachment discussions involving Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Mwago had questioned Speaker Wetangula’s ability to remain impartial, alleging that his actions and comments indicated a bias in favor of Deputy President Gachagua.
These concerns were raised following the initiation of impeachment talks, which have stirred up political tension.
However, Mokaya came out strongly in Wetangula’s defense, asserting that the Speaker has the right to express his views on matters of public interest.
“The Speaker has freedom to express his opinion and give views on matters of public interest, and the exercise of this right cannot be negated,” Mokaya said in a statement.
He further argued that preventing the Speaker from sharing his opinions would be a violation of his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
“To argue that the Speaker should never give his views on any matter of public interest is indeed a blatant violation of his freedom of expression and is tantamount to cajoling people into acquiescence,” Mokaya added, suggesting that expecting complete silence from the Speaker on critical national matters would undermine democratic principles.
Mokaya also took a swipe at Mwago, implying that his criticism stemmed from a lack of understanding of parliamentary proceedings.
In a letter addressed to Mwago, Mokaya pointed out that the Starehe MP was often absent from the National Assembly, suggesting that his limited involvement in legislative debates weakened his position on the matter.
“It is noteworthy that this is understandable, as you are never present in the House. Therefore, you may prefer restraining yourself from commenting on the nature of legislation passed by the House, when you have no idea on law-making,” read the letter by Mokaya.
The statement by Mokaya highlights the growing political divisions within the National Assembly, particularly as the impeachment saga surrounding Deputy President Gachagua intensifies.
While some MPs are calling for transparency and neutrality from the Speaker, others like Mokaya argue that Wetangula has the right to express his views, provided that his actions remain within the framework of parliamentary rules.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether Speaker Wetangula will address the calls for his resignation or continue to assert his right to freedom of expression amidst the ongoing political storm.
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