Majority Debate: New setback for Speaker Wetang'ula as court rejects petition

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has suffered a setback after the Court of Appeal rejected a petition to suspend a High Court ruling that recognized the Azimio Coalition as the majority in the National Assembly.

Wetangula had challenged the ruling, arguing that it had significantly disrupted parliamentary operations.

However, the appellate court dismissed this argument, stating there was insufficient proof that legislative activities had been paralyzed, saying the National Assembly has continued to function, though with some friction.

The Court also ruled that issuing a stay order would be equal to prematurely validating the Speaker’s decision, especially since the High Court had not yet established whether it aligned with its previous judgment.

The Court also dismissed concerns that the ruling could expose Speaker Wetang'ula to legal repercussions, such as contempt of court charges.

The decision now leaves in limbo the debate over which party holds the majority of MPs in the National Assembly.