Wetang’ula Issues Strong Warning to Judiciary Over IEBC Vetting Process
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has issued a stern warning to the Judiciary, accusing it of interfering with Parliament’s role in vetting nominees for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Speaking during a parliamentary sitting on Thursday, May 29, Wetang’ula firmly instructed the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) to proceed with the vetting exercise without any further delays.
He emphasized that conducting the vetting is Parliament’s constitutional duty and should not be obstructed by external institutions.
The Speaker’s remarks came shortly after the High Court lifted an earlier suspension that had put a hold on the vetting process following a petition filed by two individuals.
In response to this development, Wetang’ula issued a clear directive to the committee, saying, “I instruct the committee to carry on with speed and vet both the IEBC chairman nominee and the commissioner nominees, and bring their report to this House.”
During the same session, Minority Leader Junet Mohammed also voiced concern over what he called judicial overreach.
He criticized the Judiciary for stopping parliamentary proceedings through court orders, arguing that such interference undermines the independence of the National Assembly.
“If Parliament is blocked before it can carry out its duties, then Parliament will be rendered powerless in this country,” Junet cautioned. “From now on, we cannot allow Parliament to be stopped from fulfilling its responsibilities.”
Speaker Wetang’ula supported Junet’s sentiments, stating that Parliament must be allowed to function without interruptions.
He insisted that no institution has the legal authority to prevent Parliament from performing its constitutionally assigned functions, including the vetting of IEBC officials.
“There will soon be a ruling or official communication on this matter that will set a precedent moving forward,” Wetang’ula announced. “But to make things clear, no one has the legal power to stop Parliament from doing its job.”
Wetang’ula stressed that once a matter is placed before Parliament, whether in the main House or within a committee, it falls under the jurisdiction of the legislature.
Therefore, it should be handled without interference from the Judiciary or any other branch of government.
The Speaker also disclosed that he had formally communicated these concerns to Chief Justice Martha Koome in an effort to prevent future clashes between the Judiciary and the Legislature.
After instructing JLAC to resume the vetting process immediately, Wetang’ula explained that anyone with objections to Parliament’s actions, including members of the public, the Executive, or even the Judiciary itself, has the right to challenge those decisions only after the process has been concluded.
“Anyone who feels aggrieved—be it from the Judiciary, the Executive, or the general public—can move to court only after Parliament has completed the vetting and made its decision public,” Wetang’ula clarified. “Going forward, there will be a precedent-setting communication that will guide how such matters are handled.”
Following Wetang’ula’s directive, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee is expected to begin vetting Erastus Edung Ethekon, who has been nominated as the new IEBC Chairperson.
Also set for vetting are six commissioner nominees: Anne Nderitu, Moses Mukwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor, Francis Odhiambo, and Fahima Abdalla.
The vetting process is now expected to move forward quickly, as Parliament reaffirms its authority to carry out its constitutional functions without obstruction.
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