Wetang’ula warns of 2007-like chaos
By Reuben Mwambingu, July 7, 2025A fresh constitutional storm could be brewing after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula took to the political stage in what critics say is a troubling flirtation with Executive power.
As the third most powerful officeholder in Kenya’s governance hierarchy, Wetang’ula’s increasingly visible role in pro-government rallies and political mobilisation efforts is now raising serious questions about fidelity to the doctrine of separation of powers.
In recent weeks, the Speaker has toured multiple counties, echoing campaign-style rhetoric aimed at rallying support for the broad-based government.
In what is being seen as a campaign trail to counter the opposition’s “wantam” movement led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, among other opposition heavyweights, Wetang’ula, donning a cap boldly inscribed with TUTAM—a slogan coined to counter the rising “One Term” opposition movement—makes it clear where his political allegiance lies.
In the recent tour at the Coast, the speaker directly lashed out at opposition leaders and warned against what he terms “tribal and divisive politics,” even as he champions government economic empowerment programs.
But constitutional scholars and governance watchdogs are sounding the alarm.
A recent article published by the East Africa Centre for Law and Justice observed that the close relationship between the Executive and some members of the Legislature has undermined the independence of Parliament in the sense that political patronage and party loyalty often result in MPs aligning with the Executive’s interests rather than prioritising accountability and oversight.
Slow erosion
Martin Oloo, of Bunge la Mwananchi in Mombasa, is of the opinion that the Speaker is not just any politician. He is the head of one arm of government.
His primary obligation is to Parliament, not the presidency. When he openly engages in partisan politics, especially in support of the Executive, it offends the very structure of checks and balances envisioned in our Constitution.”
Article 94 of the Constitution vests legislative authority in Parliament, with the National Assembly playing a critical oversight role over the Executive. The Speaker, as the presiding officer, is expected to act as an impartial guardian of this legislative independence.
But Wetang’ula’s apparent pivot back into political mobilisation—after relinquishing his party leadership position in Ford Kenya upon assuming the Speaker’s seat—has blurred those lines.
“We are witnessing a slow erosion of institutional integrity,” says Grace Atieno, a resident of Mombasa. “How does Parliament hold the Executive accountable when its Speaker is out there campaigning for the President? The image alone is problematic—even if technically legal.”
The Constitution does not bar the Speaker from holding political opinions or associating with political parties. But it demands institutional neutrality, particularly from individuals occupying positions that serve as arbiters between government arms.
The controversy deepens when viewed in light of Kenya’s political history—where past speakers, such as Kenneth Marende during the Grand Coalition government, often chose statesmanlike restraint over political involvement.
Wetang’ula’s defenders argue that he is within his democratic rights to speak on national issues and attend government functions. Others point out that his public engagements often coincide with official roles or parliamentary outreach initiatives.
Political ambitions
With the next election still two years away, Wetang’ula’s presence in the political arena is already fuelling speculation about future political ambitions—or an unofficial role as a political enforcer for the Ruto administration.
In a democracy governed by law, symbols matter. And the image of a National Assembly Speaker on a campaign trail—microphone in hand, attacking critics of the president—may well be the clearest symbol yet of Kenya’s fragile dance with constitutionalism.
The speaker issued a stern warning against the resurgence of tribal and divisive politics, cautioning that such a trajectory risks pushing the country back into the kind of chaos witnessed during the 2007/08 post-election violence.
Speaking during a Sunday service at Lord Promise Church in Kwale County, Wetang’ula urged leaders across the political divide to put Kenya first and shun political intolerance, warning that the cost of disunity is far too high for the country to bear again.
“We must never allow our nation to slide back into the quagmire of ethnic violence and political intolerance. We all remember the pain of 2007. That dark chapter must never repeat itself,” he said.
The speaker emphasized that Kenya’s diversity is a national asset—not a fault line—and called on political actors to abandon tribal posturing and champion the cause of national unity.
He reminded Kenyans that the Constitution protects the right of every citizen to live and thrive in any part of the country without fear or discrimination, adding, “We are one people with a shared destiny.”
He said authority comes from God, and no force can overturn God’s choice. “President Ruto’s win was against all odds. It is proof that when God anoints you, no human force can stop your destiny,” he said.
Wetang’ula also took a moment to share his own political journey, tracing his rise from a youthful MP in 1992. He attributed his success to divine guidance rather than personal ambition.
The Speaker, at the same time, pointed out the importance of faith institutions in nurturing morally upright generations. “Our children are the torchbearers of a united and peaceful Kenya. Let’s invest in their spiritual foundation,” he said.
On Saturday, July 6, 2025, Wetang’ula led a delegation of national and county leaders on public engagements in Likoni and Jomvu constituencies.
He decried the ongoing trend of tribal mobilisation and political entitlement, warning that such narratives are toxic and counterproductive to national development.
He was joined by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and a host of lawmakers.
Nassir warned against efforts to rekindle colonial-era divisions.
The Speaker urged voters to reject leaders who thrive on sowing division, saying Kenya’s future lies in collaborative leadership and development-driven politics—not in ethnic arithmetic.
“This is Mombasa’s moment to reclaim its glory—not just as a tourist hub, but as the home of the Port and the heartbeat of Kenya’s economy,” said Wetang’ula.
He said: “Kenya belongs to all of us. No tribe is bigger or smaller. No citizen is more Kenyan than the other. Let’s move forward together. Every voice matters.”