The High Court has issued conservatory orders barring Speakers Moses Wetang'ula and Amason Kingi from partisan political campaigns, following a petition by Vocal Africa.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and his Senate counterpart Amason Kingi have suffered a setback after the High Court issued conservatory orders temporarily barring them from participating in partisan political activities.
The ruling by Justice David Mburu came just hours after human rights group Vocal Africa filed a petition at the Milimani Law Courts seeking to stop the two Speakers from engaging in political campaigns in support of President Ruto's second-term bid.
Following the application, the court on Wednesday, July 8, issued a conservatory order restraining the two Speakers from engaging in partisan political activities through their constitutional offices until the matter is heard and determined.
"Pending the inter partes hearing of this application, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the 1st and the 2nd respondents (Wetang'ula and Kingi), while serving as the speaker of the National Assembly and the Senate, respectively, from using, invoking, relying upon or benefiting from the authority, prestige, dignity, influence or incidents of their constitutional offices in the organisation, promotion, endorsement, leadership or conduct of organised partisan political campaigns in support of or opposition to any political party, political coalition or political candidate," Justice Mburu ordered.
The court certified the matter as urgent and directed that the petition be served on the respondents, who include Wetang'ula, Kingi, the IEBC, the EACC, and the Attorney General, before the close of business on July 9. The respondents have three working days from the date of service to file their responses. The matter will be mentioned on July 16, 2026, to confirm compliance and issue further directions.
Vocal Africa argues that while Wetang'ula and Kingi are entitled to hold personal political opinions, the Constitution prohibits them from using their offices to participate in partisan political campaigns. The petition contends this conduct undermines Parliament's institutional independence and creates a conflict with its constitutional role of overseeing the Executive.
Wetang'ula is accused of attending several political events between June and July, including a rally in Likoni, Mombasa County, and a public function at Emusire High School in Emuhaya Constituency, where he allegedly urged residents to back President Ruto's re-election bid.
Kingi is similarly accused of actively participating in UDA-organised political meetings, including a gathering at Burhani Grounds in Mombasa, where he allegedly endorsed mobilisation efforts for the Kenya Kwanza coalition, alongside other engagements across the Coast region.
The petitioners also want the court to bar the two Speakers from using parliamentary facilities, official security details, official transport, communication platforms, and other public resources for political mobilisation, arguing this violates the Election Campaign Financing Act.
The ruling has already drawn reaction from lawmakers. Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu welcomed the order, arguing that the offices of Speaker demand strict political impartiality and that officeholders wishing to remain active in party politics should step down from their positions.
On the other side, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita defended the two Speakers, arguing there is nothing unconstitutional about them holding political views outside the chambers, since their neutrality obligation applies specifically to presiding over parliamentary business.
Wetang'ula and Kingi have become two of President Ruto's most visible campaign surrogates, regularly accompanying senior government officials during development tours, rallies, and mobilisation events. The conservatory order, even if temporary, removes two influential voices from active political campaigning for Ruto's re-election bid at least until the matter is fully heard.
This is a developing story. Don Sami Live will update this post as the Speakers respond and as the July 16 court mention approaches.