In the last few days, there have been clashes on which coalition has more members in the National Assembly.
According to Article 108 of the Constitution, the Majority leader in the National Assembly comes from the largest party or the largest coalition of parties.
In the current election that was held, the Azimio One Kenya Coalition had more members elected as members of the National Assembly as compared to the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
Days ago, Moses Wetangula from the Kenya Kwanza Coalition was elected as the Speaker of the National Assembly having won against his competitor Kenneth Marende from the Azimio Coalition.
Wetangula got 215 votes while Marende got 130 votes.
Several debates have emerged on which coalition has the Majority in the parliament. The Kenya Kwanza Coalition Claims they are the Majority and the Azimio Coalition has the same claims too.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Azimio-OKA Coalition party is legally and legitimately the majority in the National Assembly. This is not a matter for determination by any individual or office. It is simple arithmetic,” said Kalonzo.
Legally, Azimio OKA Coalition has 167 members while Kenya Kwanza has 158 member. Due to some parties from the Azimio Coalition defecting to the Kenya Kwanza after the announcement of the Presidential elect, politically, this makes Kenya Kwanza to have 173 members and Azimio having 152 members.
According to the law and the agreement signed by the parties that joined Azimio Coalition, the agreement is binding up to 3 months after the election.
On Saturday 17th Sept 2022, both the coalitions chose the Majority leaders as both claims to have the majority numbers.
“They have to deal with the reality that they are the minority,” said the President.
Which way will the National Assembly speaker take? National Speaker Moses Wetangula is expected to solve this dispute as guided by the House.
