A contempt application certified as urgent by the High Court on Monday seeks to have National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula jailed or fined Sh725,017 for allegedly violating conservatory orders issued on July 8, 2026.
The proceedings arise from orders issued by the same court restraining Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi from using, invoking, relying on, or benefiting from the authority, prestige, dignity, influence, or incidents of their constitutional offices in the organisation, promotion, endorsement, leadership, or conduct of organised partisan political campaigns pending the hearing of a constitutional petition.
Justice David Mburu had issued orders restraining Wetang’ula from using the authority of his office to campaign for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid. The contempt application relies on his social media posts, photographs, and public statements made after the orders were issued.
According to court documents filed by Vocal Africa through lawyer Ian Mutiso, Wetang’ula continued participating in political mobilisation events despite being aware of the court orders.
The organisation alleges that he attended and addressed public gatherings in Narok North, Sirisia, Matungu, Kabuchai, and Webuye East, where he urged support for President Ruto’s re-election and highlighted projects undertaken by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Vocal Africa further claims that the Speaker later publicised the events through his official X account, arguing that the posts acknowledged conduct inconsistent with the court orders. The organisation attached screenshots, links to the posts, and photographs of the events as evidence.
“The alleged disobedience is deliberate, continuing and calculated to undermine the authority, dignity and effectiveness of this honourable court,” the application states.
The organisation argues that unless addressed urgently, the alleged conduct could encourage further disregard for judicial authority by holders of constitutional office.
The application also alleges that Senate Speaker Amason Kingi led grassroots mobilisation meetings for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) across Mombasa and other parts of the Coast region.
If found guilty of contempt, Vocal Africa wants Wetang’ula committed to civil jail for at least one month for political engagements undertaken after July 8, or fined Sh725,017 for each alleged engagement, an amount equivalent to his basic monthly salary.
– By Otieno Bildad
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