The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Wednesday, September 13, stated that Moses Wetangula might be Kenya’s worst National Assembly Speaker.
In a press statement, ODM explained that it was wrong for Wetang’ula to comment on the issue of MPs expelled by the party.
“Pitted on the same list with these past National Assembly speakers, Wetangula is on course to becoming the worst of the entire lot, by his recent conduct,” ODM explained in a statement.
According to the party, former speakers such as Kenneth Marende, Francis Ole Kaparo, and Fred Mati will be remembered for being non-partisan in their roles.
The party maintained that it was wrong for Moses Wetangula to take sides in partisan matters but he should remain neutral in legislative and political party issues.
ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna explained that the party will pursue the members’ expulsion process to the end and it was the duty of Wetang’ula to declare their seats vacant.
“Speaker Wetangula made comments in Uriri, Migori County, condemning the ODM party leadership for disciplining its own members and proceeded to assure the rebels that their expulsion would not hold,” Sifuna noted.
Wetangula should step down
The party advised Wetangula to step down and engage in partisan politics if he so wished.
“But if Wetangula feels constrained to speak, we challenge him to lay down the instruments and garb of the office of Speaker and meet us on the political platform like any other politician,” the party noted.
The Raila Odinga’s party urged the Speaker to desist from commenting on the ODM affairs or else the party will treat him like any other politician.
“We will separate Wetangula the Speaker from Wetangula the politician and deal with him like any other political opponent,” ODM noted.
However, the party advised Wetang’ula to avoid desecrating the office of the Speaker and turning it into another Kenya Kwanza branch office.
At the same time, the Speaker was reminded of his responsibility to uphold and protect the Independence of Parliament.
