The High Court has scheduled a contempt of court hearing against National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for July 17, 2025. This follows an application by 12 activists seeking a six-month jail term for Wetang’ula, accusing him of defying a court ruling that recognized the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition as the Majority Party in the National Assembly.
Represented by lawyer Kibe Mungai, the activists argue that Wetang’ula breached the court’s judgment by continuing to recognize the Kenya Kwanza Coalition as the Majority Party. They further contend that he cannot remain Speaker while serving as the leader of the Ford Kenya party.
In response, Wetang’ula and the National Assembly, represented by lawyer Judith Guserwa, have filed a preliminary objection to dismiss the contempt proceedings. They claim the application is flawed, citing a lack of proper service of court documents necessary for a fair response. They also argue that the High Court lacks jurisdiction and that Wetang’ula is protected by parliamentary immunity.
The dispute originates from a February 7, 2025, High Court ruling by Justices Jairus Ngaah, John Chigiti, and Lawrence Mugambi. The court declared Kenya Kwanza ineligible for majority status and found that Wetang’ula violated the Constitution by assigning 14 members from various parties to the coalition, bolstering its claim. Despite this, Wetang’ula upheld Kenya Kwanza’s position, prompting the activists’ contempt filing. The Court of Appeal has since declined to suspend the High Court’s orders on the majority coalition issue.
The High Court has instructed all parties to submit their responses within ten days ahead of the July 17, 2025, hearing.
