High Court Fast-Tracks Contempt Bid Against Speaker Moses Wetang’ula Over Alleged Breach Of Orders
News Updated: 14 July 2026 16:46 EAT
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The High Court has certified as urgent an application seeking to jail or fine National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula over allegations that he breached court orders barring him from engaging in partisan political campaigns while holding the parliamentary office.
The application was filed by Vocal Africa, which accused Wetang’ula of violating conservatory orders issued by the High Court restricting Speakers of Parliament from using their offices, authority or influence to participate in partisan political activities.
Justice David Mburu directed that the application be served urgently and scheduled the matter for mention on July 16, 2026, when the court is expected to give further directions on the proceedings.
The petitioners want the court to punish Wetang’ula for alleged contempt, arguing that his continued involvement in political activities amounted to disobedience of the orders issued on July 8, 2026.
The contempt application seeks sanctions against the Speaker, including a possible jail term or a financial penalty if the court finds that he deliberately violated the orders.
The case is linked to a constitutional petition challenging the participation of parliamentary Speakers in partisan political campaigns while serving as heads of the National Assembly and the Senate.
The petition also involves Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Attorney General.
The High Court orders issued earlier temporarily barred Wetang’ula and Kingi from organising, promoting, endorsing, leading or participating in partisan political campaigns using the authority attached to their offices.
The court, however, did not restrict the Speakers from holding personal political beliefs or belonging to political parties but focused on the use of their official positions in political activities.
Vocal Africa argues that parliamentary leadership offices require neutrality and that active involvement in partisan campaigns could undermine public confidence in the independence of Parliament.
Wetang’ula, who is also the leader of FORD-Kenya, became National Assembly Speaker in 2022 after serving in various political positions, including as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Bungoma Senator.
The allegations against Wetang’ula have not been proven in court, and the Speaker will have an opportunity to respond to the contempt application.
The court is expected to determine whether the alleged actions amounted to a breach of its orders and whether any penalties should be imposed.
The case has renewed debate on the role of parliamentary Speakers in Kenya’s political landscape as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD