Nyakundi, Mwago lock horns over Wetangula's impeachment stance

Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi (left) and his Starehe counterpart Amos Mwago. [Standard, File]

Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi has criticised his Starehe counterpart Amos Mwago after the legislator wrote to Parliament on September 30, demanding the immediate resignation of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.

Mwago cited remarks made by Wetangula on Sunday, September 29, claiming that the Speaker had shown open bias and appeared to support a motion for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking at Wamunyu Catholic Church in Machakos, Wetangula stated, “If there is anyone who wants to disrupt the peace of the nation, they should be removed because we want peace for everybody.”

Following Wetangula's comments, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse tabled a motion aimed at impeaching Gachagua on Tuesday, October 1.

 A total of 291 MPs appended their signatures to the motion, which Wetangula subsequently allowed.

In his letter to Mwago, Nyakundi addressed what he termed Mwago's misunderstanding of the Speaker's role.

He said Mwago's failure to attend House proceedings resulted in a lack of understanding of parliamentary procedures.

 Nyakundi stated that the Speaker has no voting power on legislative decisions, which falls solely on the Members of Parliament.

“Your unfounded and frivolous statements on the passage of legislation are an attempt to blame the wrong person,” said Nyakundi.

Nyakundi argued that the Speaker has the right to express opinions on public matters while remaining impartial.

He suggested that Mwago undertake training on parliamentary practice to better understand his role.

The MP further called on Mwago to participate actively in House proceedings to prevent similar misunderstandings in the future.