Raila hits back at Speaker Moses Wetangula for making 'adolescent' remarks

ODM leader Raila Odinga has responded sharply to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula's recent remarks in which he slammed the former premiere for allegedly misleading the public and engaging in unsavoury politics.

Wetangula's February 6 sentiments came after Odinga, two days prior, slammed the Speaker for contesting the Court of Appeal's ruling on the contentious Finance Act, 2023.

The Azimio la Umoja chief further accused Wetangula of being influenced by state capture, citing purported frequent and irregular visits to State House for the approval of bills into law.

In a strongly worded letter, penned by his lawyer Paul Mwangi on Wednesday, Raila hit back at Wetangula labelling his remarks "an unfortunate adolescent tenor for a communication coming from such a high office."

Raila proceeded to address Wetangula's utterances in which the Speaker acknowledged his legal obligation to participate in events involving the enactment of bills into law.

"The phrase 'formally presenting the Bills for assent to the President' which are relied on by the statement 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," Raila argued through his lawyer.

"The actual words used by the Constitution are 'refer the Bill to the President for assent.' No conveyance of the person of the Speaker bearing the legislative instrument is contemplated and it is this practice that Raila Odinga has stated is demeaning to the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly."

Raila also provided an explanation for his criticism of Wetangula's challenge of the Court of Appeal's decision regarding the controversial Finance Act of 2023.

"What Raila Odinga was saying and what is now clearly evident is that the Speaker is missing the point. This is not about an emotional contestation but rather properly identifying and upholding the public interest. Kenya would be better served by your officers engaging time and other resources in ensuring that the legislative process does not again end up being impeached by courts of law," Mwangi said.

"For a State organ to pursue public litigation to a bitter end for the obvious purpose of bolstering its public image is what we have referred to above as adolescent; clearly cemented by the author of the statement telling Raila Odinga that the Speaker is the 'Constitutionally 3rd in command.'"