A tense standoff unfolded in the National Assembly of Kenya after Speaker Moses Wetangula ruled that remarks made by HON. Kibagendi amounted to contempt of the House. The controversy arose after the member of national assembly publicly accused the Speaker and his deputies of undermining and “wrecking” the institution.
Addressing the House, speaker Wetang’ula stated that the comments were not only offensive but also disrespectful to Parliament, describing them as clear contempt in the face of the House. He added that he personally watched the programme in which the remarks were made, leaving no doubt about their content or intent.
Following the ruling, Kibagendi was barred from attending parliamentary sittings and committee meetings until he issues what the Speaker termed a “proper apology.” The decision effectively suspends the legislator from participating in House business until the matter is resolved.
In a strongly worded statement, the Speaker emphasized that a member who believes Parliament has been “auctioned” has no justification for continuing to sit in it. “If you believe this House has been auctioned, then you have no business being part of it,” Wetang’ula said, underscoring the seriousness with which the leadership views such accusations.
The Speaker further explained that the action taken against Kibagendi is firmly grounded in the National Assembly’s Standing Orders, which allow for suspension in cases of gross disorderly conduct. He maintained that the rules exist to protect the dignity, authority and orderly functioning of the House. The incident has reignited debate on the limits of free expression for legislators and the responsibility of Members of Parliament to uphold respect for parliamentary institutions, even when expressing criticism.
