Hundreds of Bungoma County residents yesterday took to the streets in a peaceful protest against lawmakers threatening to impeach National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting slogans supporting Wetang’ula, condemned Azimio MPs pushing for his removal over alleged bias in parliamentary proceedings.

The protesters, including boda boda riders, also called on President William Ruto to shield Wetang’ula from what they called continuing political attacks from the Opposition.

The protesters expressed their frustration over what they saw as a political witch hunt against a leader they considered a pillar of the Mulembe nation and a key ally of President Ruto.

“Wetang’ula is our son. He played a crucial role in delivering the Western Kenya vote to President Ruto in the 2022 elections. Those pushing for his impeachment should respect him and recognise his contributions to this government,” said John Wekesa, a resident of Webuye.

The protesters recalled that after the 2022 elections, President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza visited Bungoma and endorsed Wetang’ula, who was then the county’s senator, as National Assembly Speaker.

President Ruto should not remain silent when Wetang’ula is attacked and should protect him for being loyal to him and spearheading Kenya Kwanza’s agenda, Wekesa said.

The demonstrators urged opposition MPs to focus on supporting the government’s development agenda in the spirit of the broad-based government that Ruto created rather than engaging in political fights.

“We want leaders to work together to fulfil the promises they made to Kenyans, not waste time on unnecessary political battles,” said protester Rose Matere.

“Wetang’ula has been instrumental in passing key laws that are driving the country forward and we call upon President Ruto and all Kenya Kwanza MPs to shield him from unnecessary attacks.”