Nominated Member of the National Assembly Sabina Chege has retained her position as the minority deputy whip.
Speaking during a National Assembly session on Thursday, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said a court order has been issued barring her removal. The Speaker pointed out that the Azimio coalition met all procedural requirements for the change of leadership. However, he recommended that the Azimio outfit and Jubilee party work out a solution, warning that lawsuits could be damaging to existing political ties.
“I’m confident that an amicable resolution of the issues shall positively contribute to the continuity of the business of the House and its vibrancy,” Wetang’ula said.
On May 30, Azimio ousted Chege and replaced her with Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje. Following Mwenje’s nomination, the coalition sent a letter to the Speaker seeking Chege’s replacement ahead of the June sittings. The opposition outfit removed Chege due to her allegiance to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration. She had recently been appointed head of the Jubilee party by a faction that is disloyal to Former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Chege was injured due to the uproar in Parliament. Reports say she was struck with a bottle as the chaos ensued following Wetangula’s ruling on her removal. Tension was evident in the room, with members of Parliament intimidating one another and disregarding calls to remain orderly. This obliged Mr Wetang’ula to announce a 15-minute recess, and afterwards, suspended seven MPs, Chege included.
“The following members having flouted the Standing Orders of the House by menacing each other, shouting at the chair and making all manner of unprintable utterances, I will invoke the provisions of Standing Order 107 (a),” Wetang’ula said.
