Tensions ran high in the National Assembly on Wednesday, February 13, as MPs affiliated with the Azimio coalition staged a dramatic walkout following Speaker Moses Wetangula's declaration of Kenya Kwanza as the majority party.
The announcement sparked an immediate uproar from Azimio lawmakers, who have been contesting Kenya Kwanza's claim to majority status since parliamentary sessions began on Tuesday, February 11.
In a video capturing the chaotic scene, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi could be seen rallying his colleagues to exit the chambers in protest.
Prominent Azimio MPs, including Suna East's Junet Mohamed, Suba North's Millie Odhiambo, Robert Mbui, Embakasi East's Babu Owino, and Seme's James Nyikal, joined the walkout, leaving the assembly in solidarity.
They were later seen converging in the media room, where they addressed the press to express their displeasure with Wetangula's ruling.
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On Wednesday afternoon, Wetang'ula ruled that the Kenya Kwanza coalition is the majority side in the National Assembly.
He ruled that the Kenya Kwanza side has 165 members comprising members elected on UDA, Amani National Congress (ANC), and Ford Kenya among other parties.
On the other hand, Wetangula stated that the Azimio la Umoja coalition was the minority side with 154 members.
He stated that parties considered to be part of Azimio were ODM, Wiper Party, and Jubilee among others, adding that there were 12 independent MPs and 4 vacancies yet to be filled.
"The Kenya Kwanza Coalition is the majority party of the House while Azimio la Umoja is the minority party of the House," Wetang'ula ruled.
Additionally, Wetangula stated that he had not received any communication from the respective parties on the changes of leadership.
He maintained that Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah would continue as the majority leader while Junet would also continue in his role as the minority leader.
