Speaking during an interview on TV47 on Wednesday night, Wetang’ula said he has never, at any point during his tenure as Speaker, been directed by anyone on how to preside over parliamentary business or shape decisions by Members of Parliament.
He described the allegations as baseless, insisting that the Speaker’s role is clearly defined and does not include initiating or influencing debate, but ensuring order and adherence to parliamentary procedure.
Wetang’ula’s remarks come amid growing criticism that the National Assembly has increasingly rubber-stamped Executive-backed proposals, particularly on contentious legislation touching on the health sector, infrastructure, and the economy.
“Any time an individual or a group loses, they cast aspersions on the winners. Since I became Speaker, nobody, not even President Ruto, has called me to encourage me, cajole me, or in any way try to influence me on how to run the House. Even if such a call came, I would not accept it,” he said.
He further pointed to Kenya’s parliamentary history, saying the country has maintained a strong tradition of legislative independence, even during periods of intense divisions on particular debates and motions in the House.
The Speaker added that as an ex officio member, he does not vote or debate on motions, and maintained that the House has performed its mandate effectively in scrutinising and passing legislation.
The developments come just days after Wetang’ula raised concerns over what he described as a troubling trend by members of parliament in summoning members of the Executive, including CSs, PSs, and other senior government officials.
Speaking on Tuesday during the 2026 Legislative Retreat for Members of the National Assembly in Nakuru, Wetang’ula said he has received complaints from executive officials who feel they are being over-summoned by parliamentary committees.
According to the Speaker, some officials have been summoned by more than three committees on the same issues, often after already appearing before another committee on the matter.
He noted that the most affected by these repeated summonses have been the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and TSC Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei.
He added that while oversight is a constitutional duty of the National Assembly, it must be exercised without creating the perception of undue pressure or causing administrative paralysis.
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