Friday, June 21, 2024 – ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula of bias during the debate on the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
Speaking on behalf of Raila Odinga’s Azimio, Sifuna accused Wetangula of bias and unprocedural irregularities during the debate.
He criticized Wetangula's conduct, likening him to a DJ at a disco matanga and accusing him of micromanaging debates.
"Speaker Wetangula is running the house like a DJ at a disco matanga in Matisi.
"He is controlling the mic himself, shutting the mic at any time and interjecting every time a member is making a contribution.
"He should let the debate flow," Sifuna lamented during a press briefing on Thursday.
The Senators, including Ledama Ole Kina and Godfrey Osotsi, also expressed dismay at what they perceived as biased treatment favouring the government.
Osotsi condemned Wetangula, stating, "Moses Wetangula is running the National Assembly like a baraza in Kamukunji Market, where there is no appreciation of the fact that a speaker should be impartial, independent and must be fair."
Central to their grievances is the Speaker's decision to lock them out of the National Assembly chambers, preventing them from participating in or observing the ongoing debate.
"Why should members of parliament be afraid of members of the public? These are the people who elected us," Sifuna questioned.
The exclusion of Senators from the galleries, traditionally open to the public during debates, has intensified tensions within the assembly.
Sifuna criticised the closure, emphasising the importance of MPs being present to fulfill their legislative duties.
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