NAIROBI, Kenya – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has suspended Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro from the House for five sitting days after he declined to withdraw and apologise for claims that calls from higher offices influenced government agencies to purchase shares in Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).
Wetang’ula ruled that Nyoro’s refusal to comply with the Speaker’s direction amounted to grossly disorderly conduct under the National Assembly Standing Orders.
The Speaker had directed Nyoro to retract his remarks after challenging him to provide evidence for his claim that phone calls had been made to influence the purchase of KPC shares.
Wetang’ula said Nyoro had failed to substantiate the allegation and warned that he would be ruled out of order if he did not withdraw the remarks and apologise.
Nyoro, however, refused to retract his statement.
“What I stated is the truth, and the truth rides higher than the rules. And therefore, I can’t apologise for the obvious,” Nyoro told the Speaker.
Nyoro Asks For Two Weeks To Provide Evidence
Nyoro later asked for two weeks to provide evidence to support his claim.
Wetang’ula rejected the request, saying the remarks had already been expunged from the Hansard and there was therefore nothing left for Nyoro to substantiate before the House.
The Speaker then gave Nyoro another opportunity to withdraw his remarks and apologise.
“Honourable Speaker, I respectfully decline to withdraw,” Nyoro said.
Wetang’ula subsequently invoked Standing Orders 88, 107 and 107A, which provide for the retraction and apology of remarks ruled out of order and the consequences of failing to comply with the Speaker’s direction.
Nyoro Suspended From Parliament
Wetang’ula ruled that Nyoro was guilty of grossly disorderly conduct and imposed a five-sitting-day suspension.
“In that case, Honourable Ndindi, you are now guilty of grossly disorderly conduct, and I’ll give you the most lenient of the provided punishments and exclude you from the House for five sitting days,” Wetang’ula ruled.
The Speaker then directed Nyoro to leave the Chamber as the National Assembly continued with its business.
“You are now a stranger in the House,” Wetang’ula told the Kiharu MP.
