National Assembly to Reconvene Following High Court Ruling on Majority Status
The court ruled that the Speaker did not have the authority to disregard official records from the Registrar of Political Parties, which confirmed Azimio’s majority status.
The National Assembly is set to reconvene following a landmark ruling by the High Court, which has affirmed the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance as the rightful majority party. Photo/Nairobi Leo.
By Joy Jeelagat
The National Assembly is set to reconvene following a landmark ruling by the High Court, which has affirmed the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance as the rightful majority party.
This decision overturned a previous declaration by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who had designated Kenya Kwanza as the majority party.
The ruling carries significant implications for parliamentary leadership and the legislative agenda moving forward.
Background of the DisputeIn October 2022, Speaker Wetang’ula ruled that Kenya Kwanza held the majority in the National Assembly, arguing that several members from Azimio-affiliated parties had shifted their allegiance to Kenya Kwanza.
This decision faced legal challenges, leading to a judicial review.On February 7, 2025, a three-judge bench comprising Justices John Chigiti, Jairus Ngaah, and Lawrence Mugambi determined that the Speaker had acted unconstitutionally by reallocating 14 members from Azimio to Kenya Kwanza without sufficient justification.
The court ruled that the Speaker did not have the authority to disregard official records from the Registrar of Political Parties, which confirmed Azimio’s majority status.
Reactions from Political LeadersFollowing the ruling, leaders from the Azimio coalition welcomed the court’s decision. Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni criticized the practice of political defections, stating, “What we have witnessed over the past two years is political opportunism.
If elected representatives had remained loyal to their mandate, this situation would not have arisen.
“Migori Senator Eddy Oketch called for immediate adjustments in parliamentary leadership, urging Speaker Wetang’ula to acknowledge Azimio’s majority status. Starehe MP Amos Mwago went further, demanding the Speaker’s resignation for his constitutional misinterpretation.Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka encouraged Azimio MPs to assert their majority position in upcoming parliamentary sessions. He stated, “On Tuesday, Azimio’s leadership in Parliament should rightfully occupy the majority side, as the court has made its determination clear.”
Speaker Wetang’ula’s Response
In response, Speaker Wetang’ula maintained that the ruling contained non-binding observations and did not necessitate his resignation or a change in his dual capacity as Speaker and leader of the Ford Kenya party.
He reassured that there was “no cause for alarm,” asserting that the court’s comments were merely “ordinary remarks in legal proceedings.”
Implications for Parliamentary OperationsAs the National Assembly resumes, the High Court’s ruling is expected to influence the House’s leadership structure and legislative direction.
Azimio’s recognition as the majority party could lead to shifts in committee leadership and a reassessment of legislation passed under the previously assumed Kenya Kwanza majority.
The ruling also underscores the importance of constitutional adherence and the impartiality of parliamentary roles, particularly with regard to the Speaker’s responsibilities.
The political landscape within the National Assembly remains fluid, with potential realignments and strategic maneuvering expected in the wake of this judicial decision.
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