By The Weekly Vision Political Desk
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has criticised the judiciary for issuing injunctions that, he claims, arbitrarily halt government policies and projects, thereby undermining service delivery. Speaking during a roundtable with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in Mombasa, Wetang’ula urged courts to study policies and bills carefully before granting prohibitory orders.
“It is high time the judiciary considers the implications of injunctions on development projects. Courts must exercise caution, as these orders are increasingly used for personal interests rather than public good,” he said.
Wetang’ula lamented that, historically, injunctions were a last resort, ensuring that projects continued smoothly. He cited examples including the upgrading of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport under the Adani deal and the implementation of the recently signed Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, both of which were stalled due to court orders.
He highlighted concerns about procedural errors in parliament, noting that an incorrect version of the cybercrime bill had been circulated, causing confusion and judicial intervention. “If we are to advance as a nation, we must prioritise patriotism, national interest, and fight corruption,” he added.
The roundtable also saw MPs criticise KEPSA, accusing the private sector of abandoning parliamentarians during key law-making processes and supporting punitive taxes that harm businesses. Leader of the Minority, Junet Mohammed, emphasised the need for uniform taxation and warned against legislative proposals that disadvantage small enterprises.
Leader of the Majority, Kimani Ichung’wa, called on KEPSA to provide evidence-based data to inform law-making. “When proposing reforms, show us the impact on jobs, exports, and productivity. Quantify fiscal trade-offs and long-term returns. Evidence-based advocacy strengthens your voice and ensures policy makers cannot ignore sound proposals,” he said.
Wetang’ula concluded by urging collaboration among parliament, the judiciary, and the private sector to ensure development projects continue unhindered while laws are fair, transparent, and in the national interest.
