Sabina Chege moves to court to challenge removal as Minority Whip
Nominated lawmaker Sabina Chege has filed a lawsuit to suspend her removal as Deputy Minority Whip, following her alleged shift in loyalty to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.
The lawmaker, through her lawyer Dennis Kivuti, has also requested the court to halt the implementation of her removal by the Azimio La Umoja coalition.
Court documents state, “Pending hearing and determination of the case, the Honorable Court be pleased to issue such further or other order(s) as it may deem just and expedient for the end of justice.”
Chege further asserts that the decision to remove her was conducted through a manifestly malicious and unconstitutional process.
The embattled MP is calling for Azimio to bear the costs of the applications and requests an urgent ex parte hearing, with dispensation of service within the first instance.
Chege claims she was unaware of the decision to remove her from her position and contends that the process was inconsistent and contradictory to the law.
In response to the situation, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced on June 8, 2023, that Chege would remain as Deputy Minority Whip, citing a court order.
He emphasized that until further information is provided indicating that the court order has been varied or set aside, the decision by the minority party to replace Chege is effectively suspended.
Speaker Wetang’ula acknowledged that the Azimio coalition had adhered to all procedural requirements for the leadership change. He urged the Azimio outfit and the Jubilee party to seek a peaceful resolution, warning that protracted court battles could be counterproductive and potentially damage long-standing political relationships.
The Azimio coalition ousted Chege on May 30, 2023, and Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje picked as her replacement.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Wetang’ula, the coalition sought Chege’s replacement before resuming parliamentary sittings in June.
Sabina Chege has been embroiled in a tussle with former president Uhuru Kenyatta over whom is the bonafide leader of the Jubilee party.
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