Azimio breathes fire as ouster of Senate Minority Whip Fatuma Dullo stopped

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has handed Isiolo Senator and Minority Whip Fatuma Dullo a temporary relief after barring the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party from effecting changes in its House leadership.

In the changes announced by Azimio leader Raila Odinga last week, Dullo was ousted and her place taken over by Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina.

Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi's communication of the tribunal's orders on Tuesday elicited sharp reactions from the minority wing who warned the Speaker against defying the standing orders.

“Respect of the rule of law and judicial authority are fundamental tenets of our democratic system of governance and, accordingly, I defer the communication pending the outcome of the proceedings before the tribunal,” stated Murungi.

Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo retorted: “What we want as a minority is what we gave you last week and it has taken so long, you are now denying the minority opportunity to have their leaders.”

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna stated: “It doesn’t matter how long it takes, you cannot impose leadership on the minority.”

Despite being the uninvited guest on the table, Dullo sat on the designated Minority Whip seat quiet even as jabs were thrown her way.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang said: “Here we can have you as our whip...you can be legal but illegitimate, that is why we say Yes, Ruto is legally the President, but illegitimate in our eyes…”

Dullo has been targeted for flirting with the ruling Kenya Kwanza government and expressing support for President William Ruto.

The divide has appeared to put the Jubilee Party at crosswinds with the larger Azimio family over the legitimacy of President Ruto's administration.

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga said: “The issue we are discussing here is more political than legal. The Senators have said they are supporting Kenya Kwanza, we are not going to be whipped by Jubilee because Kenya Kwanza is poaching...you have poached our members and we have given them to you, why are you interfering with us?”

The Azimio Senators demanded that the Speaker follows the precedence set by former Speaker Kenneth Lusaka.

“PPDT is tribunal, it cannot issue an order against Parliament. Mr. Speaker, your hands are tied,” added Senator Madzayo.

Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, on his part, said: “Mr. Speaker you’re not party to these proceedings, this is an Azimio divorce, you were not one of the negotiators or party to the negotiations.”

Some Senators concerned that the House was failing the people who elected them to leadership.

Nominated Senator Crystal Asige said: “How I wish you could you could have issued it last week as you have now, it was a simple communication that has now burnt the House. I urge you Mr. Speaker to finish this matter because Kenyans expect us to work.”

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal will give directions on the matter on February 28, 2023.