Bungoma residents protest over Wetangula impeachment push

Hundreds of Bungoma residents took to the streets in a peaceful protest against threats to impeach National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.

The demonstrators, accompanied by boda boda riders, condemned opposition MPs for calling for Wetangula’s removal over alleged bias in parliamentary proceedings.

They urged President William Ruto to protect him, citing his loyalty and role in advancing Kenya Kwanza’s agenda.

"Wetangula is our son. He helped deliver the Western Kenya vote to Ruto in 2022. Those pushing for his impeachment should respect his contribution," said John Wekesa, a resident of Webuye.

The protesters recalled Ruto’s 2022 visit to Bungoma, where he endorsed Wetangula for Speaker, assuring that Kenya Kwanza had the numbers to elect him.

"We have the numbers in Parliament, and without a doubt, Wetang’ula will be our Speaker," Ruto had declared.

The residents accused opposition MPs of destabilizing Parliament and urged them to support the government’s development agenda instead.

The demonstration ended peacefully, with residents warning they would organize further protests if the impeachment threats persisted.

The demonstrations came after Starehe Member of Parliament Amos Mwago threatened to file a motion of impeachment against the Speaker if he failed to resign.

Mwago argued that Wetangula has carelessly manned the critical leadership docket and has been responsible for some of the major causes of public upheaval, among them the 2024 Finance Bill which prompted nationwide strikes.

The legislator held that following a High Court ruling that termed Wetangula's dual role as both Speaker and leader of Ford Kenya as unconstitutional, he remains unfit to be at the helm of the House’s leadership.

Last week, Wetangula made a controversial ruling by declaring Kenya Kwanza as the majority party in Parliament despite the High Court declaring that it was not the majority.