Hundreds of Bungoma County residents took to the streets in a peaceful protest against threats to have National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula removed through impeachment.

The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting slogans in support of Wetang’ula, condemned opposition MPs for being behind the plan to remove the speaker.

Speaker Wetangula is being accused of being biased during parliamentary proceedings.

Accompanied by boda boda riders during protests on Tuesday February 18, 2025, the protesters also called on President William Ruto to protect Wetang’ula.

The residents, drawn from different parts of the county, termed this as a political witch-hunt against a leader they consider as a pillar of the Mulembe nation and a key ally of President Ruto.

“Wetang’ula is our son. He played a crucial role in delivering the Western Kenya vote to President Ruto in the 2022 elections. Those pushing for his impeachment should respect him and recognize his contributions to this government,” said John Wekesa, a resident of Webuye.

The protesters recalled that after the 2022 elections, the Kenya Kwanza Alliance visited Bungoma and endorsed Wetang’ula, who was then the county’s senator-elect, as the National Assembly Speaker.

They cited the speech by President Ruto at Christ the King Church in Bungoma, where he publicly declared Wetang’ula as the preferred choice to lead the 13th Parliament.

“Apart from coming here to worship with you, I have also come to ask for your senator to become our next Speaker,” Ruto had said at the time.

He emphasized that the next Parliament required a strong and experienced Speaker to preside over passage of bills that would help implement the Kenya Kwanza manifesto effectively.

Ruto further assured residents that Wetang’ula would be elected Speaker since the Kenya Kwanza coalition had the necessary numbers in the National Assembly.

“We have the numbers and without a doubt, Wetang’ula will be our Speaker,” Ruto declared then.

Wekesa said President Ruto should not be silent when Wetang’ula is being attacked.

He said the president should instead protect him for being loyal to him and spearheading Kenya Kwanza agenda.

The demonstrators urged opposition MPs, particularly those allied with the Azimio la Umoja coalition, to focus on supporting the government’s development agenda in the spirit of the broad based government rather than engaging in political fights.

“We want leaders to work together to fulfill the promises they made to Kenyans, not to waste time on unnecessary political battles,” said Rose Matere, one of the protesters. 

“Wetang’ula has been instrumental in passing key laws that are driving the country forward and we call upon President Ruto and all Kenya Kwanza MPs to shield him from unnecessary attacks,” she said.

They also accused opposition lawmakers of attempting to destabilize the National Assembly by targeting Wetang’ula, whom they credited with maintaining order and ensuring smooth legislative processes.

The protesters reiterated Wetang’ula’s loyalty to President Ruto’s administration, noting that he has played a critical role in facilitating the passage of crucial bills aligned with the government’s agenda.

“Wetang’ula has stood with the president and ensured that Parliament functions efficiently. Those eyeing his seat should wait for 2027 instead of attempting to force him out,” said Dickson Okisai, a youth leader from Kanduyi.

The residents vowed to continue defending Wetang’ula against what they perceive as politically motivated attacks, warning that any attempts to remove him would face strong resistance from Western Kenya leaders and voters.

The protest comes amid heightened political tensions in Parliament, where opposition MPs have accused Wetang’ula of favoring Kenya Kwanza in key legislative debates. 

However, his supporters argue that he has remained impartial and is simply ensuring the House runs smoothly.