National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s ruling on parliamentary majority status has intensified political tensions, threatening the fragile détente between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The decision, which denied Azimio the majority position, has triggered a fierce backlash from Raila’s allies, with lawmakers staging a walkout and withdrawing from key parliamentary committees.
Azimio MPs, led by Junet Mohamed and Millie Odhiambo, have vowed to sever cooperation with Kenya Kwanza, citing contempt of a High Court ruling that they claim affirmed their majority status. The fallout comes at a critical moment, as Raila prepares for Saturday’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship election in Addis Ababa. Observers warn that a loss in the AUC race could escalate political instability further.
While Ruto’s camp has defended Wetang’ula’s ruling, State House has reportedly engaged both sides in a bid to resolve the dispute. However, with Azimio hardening its stance and threatening to disengage from the broad-based government, the standoff could have significant implications for parliamentary business and national stability.
