Gachagua Slams Wetang’ula for Letting MPs Debate Him Outside Procedure

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly faulted National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, accusing him of disregarding parliamentary procedure by allowing legislators to debate matters concerning him without adhering to established rules.

Gachagua made the remarks on Wednesday while attending a memorial service in Nyandarua County held in honour of the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.

During his address, he expressed concern over what he described as repeated violations of the National Assembly’s Standing Orders, particularly in relation to how discussions involving individuals who are not members of Parliament are conducted.

According to Gachagua, the Speaker has on several occasions permitted Members of Parliament to deliberate on his name and political conduct without first ensuring that the proper procedural requirements were met.

He pointed specifically to Standing Order 51, which outlines the process that must be followed before any debate can take place about a person who does not sit in the House.

He explained that the rule is clear and leaves little room for interpretation. Any Member of Parliament wishing to raise such a matter must first prepare a formal motion in writing, sign it, and submit it for the Speaker’s approval.

Only after these steps have been completed can the motion be included in the order paper and presented for debate before the House.

Gachagua argued that bypassing this process undermines the integrity of parliamentary proceedings and opens the door to unfair or unstructured discussions.

He claimed that, in his case, this requirement had been ignored multiple times, allowing lawmakers to discuss him freely without following due process.

In his criticism, Gachagua did not hold back, stating that the Speaker had failed in his duty to protect the credibility of the National Assembly.

He accused Wetang’ula of letting the House down by not enforcing the rules consistently, particularly when it came to politically sensitive matters involving opposition figures or former government officials.

The former deputy president also suggested that the Speaker’s actions reflected bias, alleging that he appeared to favour members of the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

He cautioned that the role of Speaker demands neutrality and independence, emphasizing that the office should not be used to advance partisan interests.

In a pointed remark, Gachagua referenced National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, stating that if he or any other MP wished to raise issues about him, they should strictly adhere to the provisions of Standing Order 51. He insisted that following the proper legal framework is essential in maintaining fairness and accountability within parliamentary debates.

Gachagua further questioned Wetang’ula’s commitment to upholding the law, noting that as a trained lawyer, the Speaker is well aware of the importance of procedural compliance. He argued that such lapses are particularly concerning given the expectations placed on someone occupying such a high-ranking constitutional office.

Beyond the procedural dispute, the event itself carried broader political significance. The memorial service marked one of the first occasions where Gachagua publicly appeared in a setting that included allies of President William Ruto since their widely reported political fallout in 2025. His remarks, therefore, were seen by observers as part of ongoing tensions within the ruling coalition.

The situation highlights the growing friction within Kenya’s political landscape, where questions of procedure, loyalty, and governance continue to intersect.

Gachagua’s criticism underscores the importance of adhering to parliamentary rules, not only as a matter of legality but also as a safeguard for democratic principles and institutional integrity.

As debates over political conduct and accountability persist, the spotlight remains on the National Assembly and its leadership to ensure that its processes are transparent, consistent, and firmly grounded in the rule of law.