Wetang’ula Denies Claims of Receiving Orders From Ruto to Influence Parliament
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has firmly rejected claims that he takes instructions from President William Ruto or any other authority to influence parliamentary debates and outcomes, insisting that the House remains independent in the execution of its constitutional mandate.
Speaking during an interview on TV47 on Wednesday night, Wetang’ula described the allegations as unfounded and misleading, saying they undermine public confidence in Parliament and misrepresent the role of the Speaker. He maintained that since assuming office, he has never been directed on how to preside over proceedings or shape decisions made by Members of Parliament (MPs).
“Any time an individual or a group loses, they cast aspersions on the winners. Since I became Speaker, nobody, not even President Ruto, has called me to encourage me, cajole me, or in any way try to influence me on how to run the House. Even if such a call came, I would not accept it,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker explained that the office he holds is guided strictly by the Constitution, the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, and long-established parliamentary conventions. According to him, the Speaker’s primary responsibility is to ensure order, fairness, and adherence to procedure, not to initiate debate or influence the outcome of votes.
“The Speaker does not debate, does not vote, and does not determine how members decide. My role is to preside impartially and allow the House to express itself within the law,” he added.
Wetang’ula’s remarks come against the backdrop of growing public criticism that the National Assembly has increasingly appeared to rubber-stamp Executive-backed proposals, particularly on contentious legislation related to the health sector, infrastructure development, and economic policy. Critics have argued that Parliament’s oversight role has been weakened, an assertion the Speaker strongly disputes.
He pointed to Kenya’s parliamentary history, noting that the legislature has, over the years, demonstrated independence even during periods of intense political polarisation. “We have had very difficult debates in this country, but Parliament has always stood as an institution capable of making its own decisions,” he said.
At the same time, Wetang’ula has raised concerns about what he termed a worrying trend in parliamentary oversight, where some MPs are summoning Executive officials excessively. Speaking earlier this week during the 2026 Legislative Retreat for Members of the National Assembly in Nakuru, the Speaker revealed that his office has received complaints from Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and heads of state agencies over repeated summonses by multiple committees.
According to Wetang’ula, some officials have been summoned by as many as three different committees on the same issue, even after already appearing and responding elsewhere. He singled out Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Teachers Service Commission Acting Chief Executive Officer Eveleen Mitei as among those most affected by the practice.
“Oversight is a constitutional duty of this House, and it must be exercised firmly. However, it should not create administrative paralysis or the impression of harassment,” Wetang’ula warned.
He urged MPs to coordinate better across committees to avoid duplication, saying effective oversight should be thorough but also fair and efficient. The Speaker stressed that Parliament’s relationship with the Executive must be balanced, ensuring accountability while allowing government departments to function effectively.
As political temperatures continue to rise ahead of future legislative battles, Wetang’ula’s comments appear aimed at defending the institutional integrity of Parliament while cautioning against actions that could erode public trust in both the legislature and the Executive.
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Wetang’ula Denies Claims of Receiving Orders From Ruto to Influence Parliament
