Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has commented on the ongoing disputes surrounding the Jubilee Party. His remarks come in light of the recent controversy surrounding the retention of Sabina Chege, a nominated Member of the National Assembly, as the minority deputy whip.
On Thursday, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang'ula, announced that a court order had been issued preventing Sabina Chege's removal from her position.
"Honorable members from the foregoing, my hands are tied with regard to the court order that has been brought to my attention," said Wetangula.
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"Until and unless further information is provided, that this order has been varied or set aside, the court order effectively suspends the decision by the minority party on the replacement of Sabina Chege as the deputy minority whip," he added.
Following the incident, Ahmednasir came forth to criticize the legal system, claiming that only those who can afford them receive court orders.
"When I saw the controversial court order issued in the MP Sabina Chege's case, I quickly realized court orders in Kenya are like chips sold over the counter in fast food restaurants prepared quickly, served hot and available to all who can afford. It is a broken system," he said on Saturday.
When I saw the controversial court order issued in the Hon Sabina Chege's case, I quickly realised court orders in Kenya are like chips sold over the counter in fast food restaurants...prepared quickly, served hot and available to all who can afford...it is a BROKEN SYSTEM!
— Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC (@ahmednasirlaw) June 10, 2023
Some Azimio leaders harshly criticized the Wetang'ula judgment, alleging that the court order was questionable.
Sen. Edwin Sifuna of Nairobi asserted that Chege was kept on as the deputy minority whip by the Speaker without a court ruling.
Because he and the deputy minority leader, Robert Mbui, did not witness the directive, he claimed it is suspicious.
"I don't think there is a court order first of all because I have not seen it. It just doesn't make any sense to me until I see it," Sifuna said.
"The manner in which it was communicated, if you have a court order affecting me, you are supposed to serve me. If Deputy Minority Leader Robert Mbui has not seen that court order, Wetangula has not shown the minority party the order, then it is a suspicious order."
The Speaker noted that the Azimio alliance had complied with all formal conditions for the change of leadership as she read the ruling.
He cautioned that judicial battles could prove to be counterproductive and damage long-standing political connections, and he urged the Jubilee party and Azimio group to seek a mutually agreeable resolution.
"I'm confident that an amicable resolution of the issues shall positively contribute to the continuity of the business of the House and its vibrancy," Wetang'ula said.
