Raila takes the upper hand in Parliament after court decision

A major shake-up in Parliament is imminent following a landmark judgement that made the opposition Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party the majority in the National Assembly.

The ruling marks a significant power shift, with Kikuyu Member of Parliament, Kimani Ichung’wah, set to lose his status as Majority Leader to Suna East MP, Junet Mohamed, or any other candidate Azimio may elect. In response to the unfolding changes, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo posted on social media: “Majority Whip until further notice… sawa?”

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READ: Azimio names MPs for 'Majority Leadership' in the National Assembly

“Moving forward, we shall have an opportunity to present a budget for the Kenya Kwanza administration, which we view as an opportunity to save our people from the oppressive administration that has burdened Kenyans with over-taxation,” Kalonzo told the Saturday Standard.

Although Ruto and Raila are currently political partners under a “broad-based” arrangement, the President could find his legislative agenda more contested in the National Assembly. Despite this partnership, resistance from Azimio lawmakers opposed to the arrangement is likely to increase.

Reorganising committees

A section of ODM lawmakers celebrated the court’s decision, calling for a review of committee memberships.

“The Standing Orders are explicitly clear on who gets the majority in sessional, departmental, and audit committees. When we resume sittings next week, we must reorganise committees in line with this ruling,” said Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo.

Oundo criticised Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for disregarding their calls to recognise Azimio as the majority party, labelling the judgement as “long overdue”. He noted that this had been their stance all along, but lamented that political impunity had led to their concerns being ignored.

Turkana South MP John Ariko, also ODM’s national vice-chairperson, echoed similar sentiments, welcoming the court’s ruling. “The long-awaited justice, though delayed, is here. ODM welcomes the court ruling and we advise Hon Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to quickly officialise the changes and desist from appealing in court. We demand reorganisation of the House with immediate effect,” Ariko stated.

Migori Senator Eddie Oketch called on Speaker Wetang’ula to “be bold, respect the court’s pronouncement, and declare Junet Mohamed as Majority Leader and Millie Odhiambo as the Majority Whip.” Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo also commented on the far-reaching consequences of the decision, although he admitted he had not yet read the ruling.

The ruling also has significant implications for Ruto’s allies. The President, who has been reluctant to purge allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, could now find Azimio selecting leaders for key committees, putting serving chairpersons at risk.

Among those seen as potential targets are Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who chairs the Budget and Appropriations Committee, and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who leads the Trade Committee. Other committee chairpersons could also be removed from their positions.

“They think they can cause us to fight. No, we will not fight. Instead, we will use this opportunity to embrace each other even more tightly! To this end, we will reorganise all committees and share membership and leadership of the big committees in a more just and fair manner, starting with the committees chaired by Gachagua MPs,” said Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.

The power shift will also affect Ruto’s allies, some of whom head prestigious committees, such as the Finance Committee, chaired by Molo MP Kimani Kuria, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, chaired by Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara, and the Health Committee, led by Endebess MP Robert Pukose.

ALSO READ: Speaker Moses Wetangula rules Kenya Kwanza has majority in National Assembly

Unless Azimio agrees to share the positions, as former President Uhuru Kenyatta did after his March 2018 handshake with Raila, or the decision is overturned, Ruto risks losing key allies by depriving them of influential roles in Parliament. President Ruto has been keen to retain support in the Mount Kenya region and has kept his allies content by offering them high-profile positions.

Ichung’wah has been seen as a key player in Ruto’s plan to maintain control over Mount Kenya. The looming power shift will likely be viewed by many as a demotion for him.

Wetang’ula’s dilemma

Speaker Wetang’ula also stands to lose, finding himself at the mercy of the President, who may push for his Ford Kenya party to fold and join UDA.

Wetang’ula’s legal team intends to appeal the ruling.

Kalonzo Musyoka was highly critical of Wetang’ula, accusing him of failing the integrity test. “I pity Wetang’ula. I don’t know what became of him,” he said.

The Centre for Multiparty Democracy’s Executive Director, Frankline Mukwanja, called on Wetang’ula to be more impartial in his role as Speaker, urging law changes to ensure greater independence.

“A principled and impartial Speaker is a cornerstone of a functional democracy,” Mukwanja stated.

Former Laikipia Woman Rep Cate Waruguru described Wetang’ula’s position as “between a rock and a hard place.” “I see Ruto forcing him to resign as Ford-K leader and join UDA,” she said.

In conclusion, the ruling represents a significant moment in Kenya’s parliamentary politics, with wide-ranging implications for Ruto, his allies, and the Azimio coalition.