The seven MPs were among Azimio la Umoja lawmakers who protested Wetang'ula's ruling on the position of Deputy Minority Whip.
According to the Speaker, Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege was legally considered the Minority Whip until when the cases she filed were heard and determined.
The ruling angered a section of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, prompting the MPs to erupt in uncontrollable shouts and chants.
The shouting was audibly led by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo who quickly marshaled a small team of Members of Parliament, with the intention of disrupting the House Business.
As a result, Speaker Wetangula sent out Rosa Buyu and Millie Odhiambo, but the two, with the support of their colleagues, stood their ground and refused to flinch.
Speaker Wetang'ula was forced to adjourn the House in a huff and returned fifteen minutes later.
The fallout between Chege and her Azimio counterparts stemmed from her decision to back President William Ruto's regime despite holding a nominated MP position in the National Assembly through Jubilee Party.
On May 30, Azimio formally ejected Chege from her Chief Whip position citing her shift in political loyalty. She was replaced by Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje.
Wetangula, however, declined to ratify the changes in honour of an earlier court order the nominated lawmaker obtained barring her ejection.
Justice Mugure Thande set the case for mention on June 22, 2023.
The seven MPs who were suspended are:
- Millie Odhiambo (Suba North)
- Sabina Chege (Nominated)
- Rozaah Buyu (Kakamega Woman Rep)
- TJ Kajwang (Rarieda)
- Fatuma Mnyanzi (Isiolo Woman Rep)
- Catherine Omanyo (Nyamira Woman Rep)
- Joyce Kamene (Embu Woman Rep)
The MPs were suspended for two weeks, five days, and two sittings, respectively.
Wetangula's decision was met with mixed reactions. Some people praised him for upholding the law, while others criticized him for being too harsh.
The suspension of the seven MPs is likely to further strain relations between the Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions.