Kimani Ichung’wah named National Assembly majority leader
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has ruled that Kenya Kwanza is the majority coalition in the house and thus Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa will serve as the majority leader for the 13th Parliament.
Wetangula ruled that Kenya Kwanza coalition is the majority with 179 members while Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has 157 members.
His ruling came after he decided that the 14 want-away members of the United Democratic Movement, Pamoja African Alliance, Movement for Democracy and Growth, and Maendeleo Chap Chap, are part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“In my considered opinion, it would be imprudent to treat members of UDM, PAA, MCC, and MDG is part of a coalition that they have distanced themselves from and their parties. I am persuaded that the 14 members and their parties are part of Kenya Kwanza coalition,” he said.
He disagreed with the decision by the speaker saying, “I don’t agree with your decision and we will be moving you to review your decision,” to which Wetangula responded, “Once the speaker makes a ruling, it is no subject to debate, it is not appealable and it stands as it is.”
Ichung’wa will be deputised by Owen Baya while South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro will now serve as Chief Whip and Marsabit Women Rep Naomi Waqo Deputy Chief Whip for the majority side.
Consequently, Opiyo Wandayi will serve as the leader of Minority, deputised by his Kathiani counterpart Robert Mbui.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed will serve as the Chief Whip to eputised by nominated MP Sabina Chege.
In his punchy ruling, Wetangula questioned the choice by the Registrar of Political Parties to respond to a request by the clerk today, more than six weeks following the request. He said, “This may be read to be a response to the happenings of the house on Tuesday this week.”
On Tuesday, Azimio la Umoja affiliated members argued that they are a coalition of parties as opposed to a coalition party. Wetangula however disputed this claims saying, “The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition political party nominated members under the names of its constituent parties.”
Chaos erupted following the announcement forcing Speaker Wetangula to adjourn the House sitting after Azimio lawmakers became disorderly interrupting the proceedings.