What You Need to Know
Antoney Kibagendi, MP for Kitutu Chache South, has been suspended from Parliament for a second time, despite a court order that previously reinstated him. The suspension, lasting 14 days, was enacted following comments he made questioning Parliament’s independence. This action has raised concerns about the separation of powers and the rights of MPs.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Kitutu Chache South MP Antoney Kibagendi has been suspended from the House for a second time, despite a court order barring Parliament from taking such action.
Kibagendi was suspended on Tuesday afternoon for 14 days over comments he reportedly made in February during a television interview in which he questioned the independence of Parliament.
The suspension followed a motion moved on the floor of the House by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who cited the need to protect the dignity and integrity of Parliament over the MP’s claim that the August House had been auctioned.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 108(2) and notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 110, Hon. Kibagendi be suspended from the House for a period of 14 days. I move this motion in the best interest of the dignity of each and every Member of this House,” Ichung’wah told MPs.
Temporary Speaker Peter Kaluma then put the question to the House, which approved the motion by acclamation, paving the way for Kibagendi’s removal from the chamber.
The House made the resolution despite a recent court decision that reinstated him after overturning an earlier suspension imposed by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye, on March 19, directed that Kibagendi be allowed to return to the House and continue performing his duties, pending the hearing and determination of a case he filed.
The judge stayed the Speaker’s decision of February 17, 2026, and dismissed a preliminary objection by lawyers representing the Speaker, who had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to interfere with parliamentary procedures.
They contended that, under the doctrine of separation of powers, the High Court should not intervene in the internal affairs of Parliament.
However, Justice Mwamuye ruled that the matter raised constitutional issues, noting that the rights of the applicant were in question and that his constituents could be left without representation.
“Pending the hearing and determination of this suit, the applicant is hereby allowed to access Parliament and continue discharging his duties as a Member of Parliament,” the judge ruled, while restraining the Speaker and the National Assembly from initiating disciplinary action against the MP on matters related to the ongoing case.
Kibagendi moved to court through his lawyer, Ombui Ratemo, after he was suspended from Parliament and barred from accessing the House, including committee sittings.
The earlier suspension was announced by the Speaker.
The ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the legislature in Kenya have been highlighted by the recent suspension of MP Antoney Kibagendi. This incident reflects a broader struggle over the independence of parliamentary procedures and the role of the courts in addressing grievances related to legislative actions. The High Court’s intervention in Kibagendi’s case underscores the importance of constitutional rights and representation for constituents, especially in a political landscape marked by frequent disputes over authority and governance.
