Speaker Justin Muturi's delicate balancing act in season of madness

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi  (left)  and Deputy President William Ruto hold documents as  ANC Party leader Musalia Mudavadi looks on after the signing of the coalition agreement with Kenya Kwanza Alliance at the Hermosa Gardens Hotel in Karen, Nairobi on April 9, 2022. [David Gichuru, Standard] 

A couple of days after signing a political pact with Deputy President William Ruto, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi’s impartiality in conducting parliamentary business has come under heavy scrutiny and sharp criticism, mainly from the DP’s political rivals.    

Members allied to Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya’s presidential nominee Raila Odinga are particularly uncomfortable with Muturi teaming up with the DP in Kenya Kwanza Alliance – four months to the General Election – arguing that the move raises questions on Muturi’s neutrality.