High Court bars Wetang’ula, Kingi from using Speakers’ offices in partisan campaigns
Justice David Mburu issued the interim orders after certifying as urgent a petition filed by lobby group Vocal Africa, which argues that the two Speakers have repeatedly participated in Kenya Kwanza political mobilisation activities in a manner that undermines the institutional independence of Parliament.
The High Court has issued conservatory orders temporarily barring National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi from using the authority and influence of their constitutional offices to participate in partisan political campaigns, pending the hearing of a constitutional petition challenging their political activities.
Justice David Mburu issued the interim orders after certifying as urgent a petition filed by lobby group Vocal Africa, which argues that the two Speakers have repeatedly participated in Kenya Kwanza political mobilisation activities in a manner that undermines the institutional independence of Parliament.
In the ruling delivered yesterday, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the judge restrained the two Speakers, while serving in their constitutional offices, from using “the authority, prestige, dignity, influence or incidents” of those offices in organising, promoting, endorsing, leading or conducting organised partisan political campaigns in support of or opposition to any political party, coalition or political candidate.
“That pending the inter partes hearing of this application, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the 1st and 2nd Respondents, while serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Speaker of the Senate respectively, from using, invoking, relying upon or benefiting from the authority, prestige, dignity, influence or incidents of their constitutional offices in the organisation, promotion, endorsement, leadership or conduct of organised partisan political campaigns,” Justice Mburu ruled.
The court directed that the petition and the accompanying application be heard on a priority basis and ordered that all respondents be physically served by the close of business on July 9, 2026.
Justice Mburu further ordered the respondents to file their responses within three working days after service and scheduled the matter for mention on July 16, 2026, to confirm compliance with the court’s directions and issue further orders.
The petition, filed by Vocal Africa, seeks to stop the two Speakers from allegedly engaging in political campaigns in support of President William Ruto’s re-election bid, arguing that such conduct violates the constitutional principles of impartiality and institutional independence expected of the offices they hold.
According to the petitioner, while Wetang’ula and Kingi are entitled to hold personal political opinions, the Constitution prohibits them from using the authority of their offices to participate in organised partisan political activities.
Vocal Africa contends that the participation of the two parliamentary leaders in political rallies and campaign events raises serious constitutional questions regarding the independence of Parliament and the obligations imposed on State officers under Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The lobby group specifically accuses Wetang’ula of attending several political events between June and July this year, where he allegedly urged Kenyans to support President Ruto’s second-term bid. Among the events cited is a public function in Emuhaya Constituency, where he is alleged to have encouraged residents to back the President in the next General Election.
Kingi is similarly accused of participating in United Democratic Alliance (UDA)-organised political meetings, including a gathering at Burhani Grounds in Mombasa, where he allegedly endorsed Ruto’s re-election campaign.
Vocal Africa argues that the dispute before the court is not about the personal political beliefs of the two Speakers but whether they can lawfully use the influence and authority attached to their constitutional offices in organised partisan political mobilisation.
“This Petition is brought solely in public interest and not for the advancement of any political party, candidate, coalition or private interest whatsoever. Neither the Petitioner nor I stand to derive any personal, financial or political benefit from the outcome of these proceedings,” Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid states in a supporting affidavit.
Besides Wetang’ula and Kingi, the petition also names the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Attorney General as respondents.
The lobby group is seeking declarations clarifying the constitutional obligations attached to the offices of Speaker of the National Assembly and Speaker of the Senate, and wants the court to determine whether continued participation in partisan political campaigns while holding those offices violates the constitution.
