Opposition leader Raila Odinga has responded to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s characterization of his critical remarks as ‘dirty politics and misleading.’
Odinga, through his lawyer Paul Mwangi, dismissed Wetangula’s comments, labeling them as cowardly and criticizing the Speaker’s use of institutional titles to issue what he deemed ignorant statements against him.
“We shall ignore this and successfully ignore the unfortunate adolescent tenor of a communication coming from such a high office,” Odinga asserted.
However, the Azimio La Umoja Leader took issue with Wetangula’s defense of his constitutional obligation to participate in State House events involving the enactment of bills into law. Wetangula had argued that he is legally obliged to participate in such processes, drawing parallels with the United States system.
Odinga dismissed Wetangula’s interpretation, stating, “The phrase ‘formally presenting the Bills for assent to the President’…cannot be interpreted to mean walking over to State House and physically handing over the document to the President. That is ridiculous, and it is scandalous for the statement to even suggest that the Constitution meant so.”
The ODM Leader clarified that the constitutional provision for referring a bill to the President for assent does not necessitate the physical presence of the Speaker. Odinga emphasized that the Constitution only requires the Speaker to refer the bill to the President, without the need for personal attendance.
Addressing Wetangula’s challenge to the Court of Appeal’s decision on the Finance Act of 2023, Odinga advised the Speaker to focus on sealing loopholes in the legislative process rather than engaging in emotional contests.
He urged the Speaker and his officers to ensure that the legislative process is not undermined by legal challenges in the future, emphasizing the importance of upholding the public interest.
Odinga concluded by characterizing the pursuit of public litigation solely for bolstering the image of a state organ as an adolescent approach, urging a more responsible and public-interest-driven approach in legislative matters.
