The National Assembly has barred Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi from all legislative activities after he accused the National Assembly of being “auctioned” to the government.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described the remarks as a serious affront to the House and ordered the MP to issue a formal apology before he can resume his duties.
Wetang’ula stressed that his decisions as Speaker have always been independent, grounded in the law, and free from external influence. He warned that any member suggesting the House has been compromised has no place in the chamber.
“I want to tell this House and the country, for the record, that since I became the Speaker of this House, and I am a God-fearing and practising Christian, nobody, and I repeat, nobody, has ever called me, as your Speaker, to tell me what to do or what not to do. And if anybody did, I would reject it, because you voted for me and I took the oath of office to preside over your proceedings without fear, favour, prejudice, or ill will. I am human; I could have made an erroneous ruling, a ruling that displeases somebody, but the rulings I make here are buttressed by the law. For you as a member to say that the House has been auctioned, then you have no business being in this House,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker clarified that Kibagendi must submit the apology to the Clerk, who will review its wording before the MP is allowed back into Parliament. Until the House receives a satisfactory apology, Kibagendi will remain excluded from sittings, committee meetings, and access to his office.
“So, Hon. Kibagendi, you will be excluded from the sitting of this House, the precincts of Parliament and Committee sittings, including your office in Parliament, until you bring a properly worded apology, not to me, I am used to being insulted, but to the House, for bringing it into disrepute,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker added that while interpretations of the law can differ, he has the right to make independent rulings on parliamentary procedures. “I may misinterpret the law as many lawyers do, but that is a right I have,” he said.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah supported the Speaker, saying Kibagendi’s claims lacked evidence and were damaging to the institution.
“A Member commits an act of disorderly conduct if the Member makes allegations without adequate substantiation. If you listened to Honourable Kibagendi this morning, he had no substantiation of how this House has been auctioned,” Ichung’wah said.
Ichung’wah emphasized that protecting Parliament’s credibility is paramount. “It is not about the person of the Speaker. It is about the dignity of this House. When we are said to have been auctioned, and we do not take a position, we all stand accused,” he said, noting that the Powers and Privileges Committee could take further action if needed.
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed also condemned Kibagendi’s statements, apologizing to the House on his behalf and questioning his record in Parliament.
Wetang’ula urged veteran MPs to guide newcomers on how to handle media appearances responsibly. “When you go on TV, know that the whole world is watching. Your wife is watching. Your children are watching. Your constituents are watching. You are privileged to be among 290 constituency members, plus 47 county women representatives, out of 56 million Kenyans, to represent the people. You carry enormous responsibility,” he said.
