Wetangula Gives Orders Over Withdrawal Of Raila, Karua, Kalonzo Security

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula on Thursday, May 4 intervened after 22 leaders allied to the Minority side complained about the withdrawal of their security.

Wetangula directed the National Assembly leader of the majority, Kimani Ichung'wah to work with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki in ensuring that the security detail of the Azimio lawmakers is reinstated.

"Unfortunately, you have not provided the names of the 22 members whose security had been withdrawn. Remember, we have so many members.

"I will direct the Majority Leader to liaise with the Ministry of Interior to ensure the members are secured," Wetangula ruled. 

Wetangula's ruling came upon intervention by Nyando MP Jared Okello who, while standing on a point of order, urged the Speaker to step in with regard to his fellow Azimio lawmakers losing their bodyguards, contrary to the law and the standing orders.

“I invite you to help us address this matter because the security of any member of this Parliament is just as important as that of any other member of this House,” Okello said.

The MP wanted Wetangula to order the return of the police escort as the Chair of the Parliamentary Service Commission, but his plea drew a robust debate, with Ichung'wah accusing Azimio-leaning MPs of misusing police officers, especially during their anti-government protests.

“I ask the Interior Cabinet Secretary and the Inspector General of Police that if there is any MP whose security has been withdrawn let them reinstate it, but I must emphasize (that) please let us not misuse our officers,” said the Kikuyu MP.

“If you want to go for demonstrations, if you want to go for other errands at night, allow your officer to go home, take care of your business alone.”

Ichung’wah claimed that the opposition MPs were participating in illegal demonstrations while being protected by police officers, hence prompting the withdrawal of the said men and women in blue who would otherwise be forced to use their firearms.

He went on to respond by giving an example of how President William Ruto's security was trimmed during former President Uhuru Kenyatta's regime.

On former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka losing their security, the speaker noted that the matter was outside his jurisdiction.

"All these boiled down to one thing as responsible elected leaders of this country. Tone down toxic politics and conduct yourself with decorum," the speaker advised, calling upon the members involved to write to Ichung'wah, who will forward the issue to Kindiki's docket.

Raila Odinga, Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka chatting amongst each other on April 18, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA