The political temperature in Kitui County Assembly rose sharply on Wednesday after Speaker Hon. Kevin Kinengo Katisya firmly rejected an attempt to alter the leadership of the Majority Party — Wiper Democratic Movement Kenya — citing serious legal and procedural irregularities.
Delivering a formal communication during the afternoon plenary session, Speaker Kinengo disclosed that his office had received a letter on July 7, 2025, from Hon. Daniel Ngoima purporting to notify the Assembly of changes in the Wiper Party’s leadership. The proposed changes targeted four key positions: Leader of the Majority Party, Deputy Leader, Majority Whip, and Deputy Whip.
However, following a legal opinion sought by the Office of the Clerk, it was established that Hon. Ngoima was not a formally recognized Majority Party Whip at the time of issuing the notification. This rendered the letter procedurally defective and inconsistent with the Assembly’s Standing Orders.
Citing Standing Order No. 15(9), the Speaker emphasized that only a duly recognized party whip is authorized to communicate such changes to the House. “The notification lacks legal standing, and I am under no lawful obligation to act on it,” ruled Speaker Kinengo.
In addition, the Speaker pointed to an active stay order from the High Court suspending any fresh elections within the Wiper Democratic Movement for 30 days. He cautioned that enforcing any leadership changes during this period would amount to contempt of court.
Consequently, the current leadership of the Majority Party remains unchanged as follows:
- Hon. Harrison Maluki Mawia – Leader of Majority Party
- Hon. Bonface Katula Mukwate – Majority Party Whip
- Hon. Godfrey Muthengi Ndagara – Deputy Majority Party Whip
Speaker Kinengo concluded his remarks by calling on all Members of the Assembly to uphold the rule of law, maintain decorum, and allow the judicial process to take its full course without interference or political pressure.
