Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka has overruled an attempt by Nasa CEO Norman Magaya to block the removal of Moses Wetang'ula as Minority leader.
Magaya had indicated in a a letter
that Nasa principals had instructed him to inform the Speaker that Wetang'ula remained the duly elected Minority leader.
On Monday, Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka said the three embattled Nasa principals are in the coalition to stay and that the Senate Minority leader issue had been resolved.
He said they had agreed that ODM recall its demand for Wetang'ula's ouster.
But
Lusaka noted the removal of the Bungoma Senator was in line with Standing Orders and affirmed the election of Siaya Senator James Orengo as the new Minority
leader.
"I hold that the requirements of Standing Order 20(1) have been met and therefore, Wetang'ula's service as the Senate minority leader ceases with immediate effect and Orengo is forthwith recognised as the Senate Minority leader," he ruled on Tuesday.
Eighteen of Nasa's 27 Senators voted to remove Wetang'ula while six were absent with apologies and three absent without explanation. Some said they were out of Nairobi.
Orengo will serve with
his Kakamega counterpart Cloephas Malala as his deputy.
They will be sworn-in next Tuesday.
Read:
Jubilee Party Senators expressed support for Orengo despite his history of severely criticising the ruling coalition.
They said they had faith that he would make a better leader than Wetang'ula and criticised the latter, who is a Nasa principal and Ford Kenya boss, as arrogant and disrespectful.
The Senators noted Orengo argues maturely during debates and does not insult his juniors, unlike Wetang'ula whom they said hurled insults at every session.
Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura said:
"The ousted Minority leader acted in a manner that showed utter disrespect to this house. He well deserves what has befallen him."
He added that article 98 of the Constitution is very clear on matters of house representation so ODM has not violated any rule.
His Nairobi counterpart said the move to remove Wetang'ula should not be misinterpreted as a show of enmity.
"This is democracy and not enemity. I am sure Wetang'ula will rise again from the ashes. You might think you have killed someone when actually he is a seed," Johnson Sakaja said.
His sentiments were echoed by Nakuru's Susan Kihika who said the Senate is a democratic house that abides by all Standing Orders.
Wetangula's woes heightened following last week's truce between Opposition leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The two leaders reached a pact to work together in efforts to unite the country after the deep divisions which followed the August 8 and October 26, 2017 elections.
Kalonzo and ANC boss Musalia Mudavadi said they were fully behind Wetang'ula. Mudavadi has also said that his party will go it alone as it cannot work with President Uhuru Kenyatta's.
He said the party will operate in the Opposition and if necessary, remain alone if other Opposition entities join government.
Details: