Debate over the independence of Kenya’s Parliament has grown louder in recent days, placing the role of the Speaker under sharp public focus.
Questions have emerged about whether decisions in the House are influenced by external power, especially from the Executive. In response, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has firmly denied that he receives instructions from anyone on how to run parliamentary business.
Speaking during a televised interview, Wetang’ula said claims that President William Ruto or any political figure directs him are false.
He described such reports as political noise that usually follows heated debates and lost votes.
According to him, accusations appear when one side is unhappy with the outcome and looks for someone to blame. He insisted that even the President has never contacted him to influence proceedings, and added that he would reject such a request if it ever happened.
Wetang’ula explained that the Speaker’s role is guided by the Constitution and standing orders of Parliament.
He said the Speaker does not start debates, does not propose motions, and does not vote except in rare tie-breaking situations allowed by law. His main duty, he noted, is to ensure that rules are followed and that order is maintained during sessions. He stressed that the Chair protects procedure, not policy.
He also referred to Kenya’s parliamentary history, arguing that the House has remained independent across different governments.
In his view, Parliament has survived past political tensions without losing its autonomy, and that tradition continues today.
However, his remarks come at a sensitive time. Parliament has faced criticism over several recent laws related to health, infrastructure, and the economy.
Civil society groups and opposition leaders claim that some Executive-backed bills have been passed too quickly, with limited debate and weak scrutiny.
These concerns have fueled the belief that Parliament is acting as a rubber stamp rather than an independent institution.
Wetang’ula rejected that view. He said MPs debate freely and make decisions based on their own positions. He urged critics to respect the outcomes of democratic votes and to use formal channels to challenge rulings if they disagree with them.
Critics remain doubtful. They argue that influence does not always come through direct phone calls or open instructions. Instead, they say it can appear through party discipline, voting blocs, and control of time and procedure on the floor of the House. Some opposition MPs point to fast-tracked legislation and limited room for amendments on controversial clauses as signs that debate is being shaped to favor government positions.
Analysts also note that the Speaker holds important authority through rulings on points of order, what is allowed in debate, and how much time is given to members.
These decisions, they say, can affect outcomes even when rules are followed. This perception keeps the discussion about influence alive.
Wetang’ula has raised concerns about Parliament’s oversight role. During a recent legislative retreat, he warned MPs against repeatedly summoning the same government officials over similar issues.
He said some Cabinet Secretaries and senior officers have complained about being called multiple times on identical matters, which he believes can disrupt public service.
He acknowledged that oversight is a constitutional duty but cautioned against excess. According to him, too many summons can turn oversight into pressure and harm the work of government.
He called for balance, saying Parliament must check power without paralyzing administration.