Tensions Flare: Odinga Accuses Wetangula of Bias in Parliament

Tensions within Kenya's National Assembly reached a boiling point on Monday, December 18, 2023, as Opposition leader Raila Odinga launched scathing accusations against Speaker Moses Wetangula, alleging bias and undermining of the minority's voice.

Addressing supporters during a gathering in Nairobi, Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), criticized Wetangula's handling of parliamentary proceedings, stating, "Bunge inapaswa kuwa sehemu ambapo kila mbunge anaweza kusema bila ya hofu ya kuzuiwa au kupuuzwa. Lakini kwa bahati mbaya, hilo halifanyiki chini ya uongozi wa Wetangula." (Parliament should be a place where every MP can speak without fear of being blocked or ignored. Unfortunately, that is not happening under Wetangula's leadership.)

Odinga's specific grievances centered around alleged instances where Wetangula had cut off ODM members during debates, denied them opportunities to raise points of order, and generally favored members allied to the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition. He cited recent examples like the controversial passage of the Finance Bill, where he claimed ODM amendments were unfairly dismissed.

"Wetangula anaendesha Bunge kama Bunge ya chama chake, si Bunge ya Wakenya wote," (Wetangula is running Parliament like a party house, not a house for all Kenyans), Odinga charged, further accusing the Speaker of stifling healthy debate and dissent.

These accusations were met with mixed reactions. Several ODM MPs echoed Odinga's concerns, sharing their own experiences of alleged unfair treatment in the National Assembly. On the other hand, Wetangula's defenders dismissed the claims as unfounded, accusing Odinga of playing politics and trying to undermine the authority of the Speaker.

"The Speaker acts impartially and ensures decorum in the House," Wetangula's spokesperson retorted, further highlighting instances where the Speaker had protected the rights of both majority and minority members.

This back-and-forth underscores the increasingly polarized political climate in Kenya, with Parliament often becoming a battleground for conflicting agendas. Odinga's accusations, even if contested, raise concerns about potential threats to minority representation and a fair democratic process within the legislative body.

The Speaker's office maintains that it will continue to uphold its constitutional mandate and treat all members with respect, regardless of their political affiliation. However, Odinga's claims are likely to fuel further debate and scrutiny of Wetangula's conduct as Speaker, demanding greater transparency and accountability in the management of the National Assembly.

The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether these accusations can be addressed constructively, leading to a more inclusive and balanced parliament, or whether they exacerbate existing divisions, further hindering effective legislative functions.