Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has sharply criticised the National Assembly of Kenya over the suspension of Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi, terming the move unlawful and a violation of constitutional freedoms.

In remarks while addressing a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Owino accused Parliament of acting in blatant contempt of court, arguing that the decision to suspend the lawmaker lacked any legal basis.

Owino maintained that the Speaker’s decision is null and void, insisting that Kibagendi’s remarks were made outside Parliament and therefore fall outside the disciplinary jurisdiction of the House. He emphasised that freedom of expression must be protected, especially when leaders speak in public forums beyond parliamentary proceedings.

“I want to take this opportunity to condemn the contemptuous act by the National Assembly to blatantly, intentionally and deliberately disobey court orders without any legal justification. The suspension given to Antony Kibagendi by the Speaker of the National Assembly is null and void simply because he uttered words that, to the Speaker, were not words that should be uttered in public,” Babu said.

The outspoken lawmaker has further stated that the remarks by the MP were made outside parliament and therefore had no legally binding consequences on the floor of the legislative house.

“Kibagendi had a right to speech because we know that freedom of speech is the oxygen to democracy. He spoke outside Parliament; therefore, whatever he said is not binding inside or within the precincts of Parliament,” Babu Owino added.

Kibagendi’s suspension

The controversy stems from remarks made by Kibagendi during a media appearance on a local TV station, where he criticised Parliament, describing it as compromised and overly influenced by the executive arm of the government.

Following the comments, the Speaker ordered his suspension from parliamentary proceedings until he issues a formal apology and retracts his statements. The directive effectively barred him from accessing Parliament, committee sittings, and his office.

After failing to tender the apology, Kibagendi was suspended on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Linda Mwananchi seeks legal redress on Kibagendi’s suspension

Babu Owino’s sentiments have intensified the ongoing debate over the limits of parliamentary powers and the protection of constitutional rights.

Babu has said that the Linda Mwananchi faction of lawmakers allied to the Orange Democratic Movement Party (ODM) will seek legal redress on the disciplinary actions against MPs for statements made outside Parliament, an act he says could set a dangerous precedent and could potentially curb free speech.