The High Court has issued conservatory orders temporarily barring National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi from using the authority and influence of their constitutional offices to promote or oppose any political party, coalition, or candidate pending the hearing of a constitutional petition.

Justice David Mburu granted the orders after certifying as urgent a petition filed by civil society organisation Vocal Africa, which argues that the two Speakers have repeatedly participated in partisan political activities despite occupying offices that require political neutrality.

In his ruling, Justice Mburu directed that Wetangula and Kingi must not use the prestige, dignity, authority, or influence attached to their positions as Speakers in the organisation, promotion, endorsement, leadership, or conduct of organised political campaigns. The orders will remain in force until the court hears and determines the application.

The petitioners contend that the Speakers’ participation in political mobilisation goes against the constitutional principle of impartiality expected of the presiding officers of Parliament.

They argue that the conduct compromises public confidence in Parliament as an independent institution capable of carrying out its oversight and legislative functions without political bias.

The court also directed the petitioners to serve all respondents with the court documents within the timelines set by the court to facilitate an expedited hearing of the matter.

The ruling comes amid heightened political activity across the country as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Legal experts say the decision reinforces the constitutional expectation that holders of key parliamentary offices must remain non-partisan while discharging their official duties.

The conservatory orders do not remove either Wetangula or Kingi from office, nor do they determine the merits of the case. Instead, they preserve the status quo by restricting the use of their constitutional offices in partisan political campaigns until the High Court hears and determines the petition.