Embakasi East MP. Babu Owino, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi addressing the media at Parliament on March 1, 2026 where they condemned the suspension from the house Kitutu Chache MP Anthony Kibagendi by the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]
Leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction now claim Kitutu Chache South MP Antoney Kibagendi was suspended from National Assembly sittings for 14 days, despite a court order, for speaking out on alleged corruption in the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“The only problem they have with Kibagendi is that he has remained consistent in calling out corruption at SHA. They want to silence that voice in the National Assembly, yet that is where the people sent us to represent them,” said Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Sifuna condemned Kibagendi’s removal from Tuesday’s sitting over alleged gross misconduct, describing it as an intimidation tactic.
“We want to say that the decision by the National Assembly Speaker is again illegal and unconstitutional,” he said, adding that they would pursue contempt of court proceedings against Speaker Moses Wetangula and the other leaders.
On his part, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also criticised the move, saying the National Assembly leadership had disobeyed a court order without legal justification. “The suspension given to Kibagendi is null and void,” said Owino.
The lawmaker added that Kibagendi had a right to express his views, noting that statements made outside Parliament are not binding within its proceedings.
“It is both unprofessional conduct and a professional misconduct on the part of the Speaker and some members of the National Assembly to disobey court orders whose terms were very clear, unambiguous and binding,” he said.
The team said it would file a judicial review application at the High Court under a certificate of urgency, seeking orders to compel the Speaker to comply with an earlier ruling that suspended the decision to eject Kibagendi, and to quash the 14-day suspension.
“We want the court to assert its authority and punish those in contempt. The Speaker is an officer of the court and should not disregard court decisions,” they said.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said the decision raises concerns about the separation of powers. “He took an oath to protect the Constitution and must do so by obeying court orders.”
He added that other MPs have made controversial remarks outside Parliament without facing similar action. “Kibagendi is being targeted for his strong stance against SHA,” he alleged.
Osotsi also questioned the Speaker’s neutrality, noting that he remains leader of Ford Kenya while presiding over the National Assembly.
“Clearly, this decision is political, because the Speaker’s party is part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition,” he said.
Kibagendi was first suspended in February 2026 over remarks made during a breakfast show, in which he alleged that the National Assembly had been “auctioned.”
While issuing the suspension, Wetang’ula said the MP could return if he submitted a formal apology through the Clerk.
Kibagendi challenged the decision in court, and on March 19, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ordered that he be allowed to continue with his duties pending the hearing and determination of the case on April 9.