The High Court has certified as urgent a fresh application seeking to have National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi jailed for allegedly defying court orders restricting them from engaging in partisan political activities while holding office.
The application, filed by civil rights organisation Vocal Africa, was placed before Justice David Mburu at the Milimani High Court on Monday. The judge directed that the matter be served on all parties immediately and scheduled it for further directions on July 16.
According to the petition, the two Speakers are accused of continuing to attend Kenya Kwanza political rallies and allegedly using the authority and influence of their constitutional offices to mobilise support for President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election despite existing court orders.
Earlier this month, the High Court issued conservatory orders barring Wetang’ula and Kingi from using the prestige, authority, or privileges of their offices to organise, endorse, or participate in partisan political campaigns while serving as Speakers.
Vocal Africa argues that the two have violated those orders and is now asking the court to hold them in contempt, a move that could attract penalties if the court finds they deliberately disobeyed its directives.
The petition also raises constitutional concerns about the impartiality of the offices of the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Speaker of the Senate, arguing that holders of the positions are required to remain politically neutral while carrying out their official duties.
Wetang’ula, Kingi, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Attorney General have all been named as respondents in the case. They are expected to respond before the matter returns to court for further directions.
The latest application adds fresh legal pressure on the two parliamentary leaders as the court prepares to determine whether they breached its earlier orders on political neutrality while serving in their constitutional offices.