Raila, Ruto Troops Clash in Parliament As Azimio Takes Over House Leadership

President William Ruto and Raila Odinga’s troops clashed in Parliament on Tuesday after Azimio MPs occupied the majority side in line with the court ruling that stripped the majority status from Kenya Kwanza as the House resumed sessions after recess.

Commotion started in the National Assembly when Azimio, through Minority Whip Azimio called on Speaker Moses Wetangula to step down and allow his deputy, Gladys Boss, to take over the House, due to the conflict of interest.

Millie Odhiambo further called on Wetangula to declare her as Majority whip, Junet Mohamed as the Majority leader, and Robert Mbui as his deputy.

“Mr Speaker if you look at the court’s judgment, they inferred that because of your conflicting positions as Speaker and party chair. I humbly request you to step down and mandate Gladys Boss Shollei to take over in discharging the functions as the speaker,” she said.

However, while dismissing Millie Odhiambo’s calls, South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro argued that Azimio’s push has far-reaching consequences, including casting doubt on past decisions made by Parliament.

“What Millie Odhiambo has done can only happen in dreamland. It can’t work, and it won’t work,” Osoro said.

On Tuesday, Azimio MPs arrived in Parliament and occupied the Majority side at 2:30 PM, ahead of the afternoon session.

While backing Millie Odhiambo, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed told Speaker Wetangula to honor the court ruling if he believes in constitutionalism and that it was not cast in stone for the ruling party to be the Majority side.

“I must say that I am privileged to speak from the seat of the Majority Leader because Mr Speaker even when I sat on the seat it is very warm unlike mine which was very cold Mr Speaker,” Junet said

He continued: “I didn’t know the seats of Parliament have different warmth Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker I don’t foresee myself leaving this seat any time soon, I don’t see myself leaving this one any time,” he added.