Vocal Africa Sues Wetang’ula and Kingi Over Alleged Political Campaigning
A constitutional petition has been filed at the Milimani Law Courts seeking orders to stop National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi from participating in partisan political campaigns while serving in their constitutional offices.
The case, lodged by civil society organisation Vocal Africa through lawyer Ian Mutiso Mbotela, alleges that the two parliamentary Speakers have violated the Constitution by using the authority, prestige and influence attached to their offices to campaign for President William Ruto’s re-election and promote the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
According to the court documents, Wetang’ula allegedly took part in several political events between June and July where he urged Kenyans to support President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
Among the events cited is a political rally in Likoni, Mombasa County, where the National Assembly Speaker is said to have mobilised supporters in favour of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The petition also refers to a public function at Emusire High School in Emuhaya Constituency, where Wetang’ula allegedly encouraged residents to register as voters and support President Ruto’s re-election.
Additionally, the petitioner cites a July 3 rally at Silverline Grounds in Eldoret, described as the launch of the “Tutam” campaign, where Wetang’ula allegedly declared the beginning of Kenya Kwanza’s nationwide campaigns and urged Kenyans to back the President.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi is also named in the petition. He is accused of participating in United Democratic Alliance (UDA) political mobilisation meetings, including a gathering at Burhani Grounds in Mombasa, where he allegedly endorsed grassroots mobilisation in support of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
According to the petition, Kingi also attended several political meetings across the Coast region during June and July as part of efforts to campaign for President Ruto’s re-election.
Vocal Africa argues that while both Speakers are entitled to hold personal political opinions, they should not use the authority and prestige of their constitutional offices to engage in partisan political activities.
The organisation contends that such conduct undermines Parliament’s institutional independence and creates a conflict with its constitutional oversight role over the Executive.
The petition asks the court to declare that the alleged actions violate Articles 10, 73, 75, 94, 95, 96 and 232 of the Constitution. It also cites provisions of the Leadership and Integrity Act, the Public Officer Ethics Act, the Election Offences Act and the Election Campaign Financing Act.
Among the orders sought is a permanent injunction barring Wetang’ula and Kingi from leading, organising, addressing, endorsing or participating in partisan political campaigns while serving as Speakers of Parliament.
The petitioner also seeks orders prohibiting the two from using parliamentary facilities, official security personnel, government transport, staff or any other public resources for political mobilisation.
In addition, Vocal Africa wants the court to direct the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the alleged misconduct and file a report within 60 days.
The petition further asks the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to determine whether the alleged conduct violates electoral laws and submit its findings to the court.
The court is expected to determine whether the actions complained of are consistent with the constitutional responsibilities and neutrality expected of the Speakers of Parliament. The allegations remain before the court, and no findings have been made against Wetang’ula or Kingi.
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