Wetang’ula stated that there is no constitutional, legal or procedural requirement compelling the President to attend Parliament during budget reading.

📻 Breaking It Down

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 11 – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed criticism over President William Ruto’s absence during the presentation of the 2026/27 Budget Statement, insisting that the exercise is exclusively a parliamentary function and does not require the Head of State’s presence.

Speaking in the House ahead of Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi’s budget presentation, Wetang’ula ruled that there is no constitutional, legal or procedural requirement compelling the President to attend Parliament when the National Treasury outlines the government’s spending plans and revenue measures.

“The President of the country is under no obligation to attend Parliament on the day when the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary comes, not to read a budget, but to make a statement and give the country his revenue-raising measures,” Wetang’ula told lawmakers.

📌 What You Need to Know

The Speaker was responding to claims by leaders in the United Opposition, including former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who had suggested that President Ruto’s absence during the budget presentation was unusual and indicative of a governance crisis.

Wetang’ula rejected the assertion, noting that the budget-making process is the preserve of Parliament and should not be confused with occasions when the President addresses a joint sitting of the House.

“Indeed, if the President chose to come, which he can, he would sit in the Speaker’s row. He would not sit where I am sitting, where he normally sits when he comes to address the House. There is no such thing as a crisis because the President is out of the country,” he said.

“Budget is a preserve and an activity of the National Assembly exclusively.”

President Ruto was in Finland on a State Visit, where he is holding bilateral talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and participating in diplomatic and economic engagements.

Wetang’ula’s position was backed by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who accused opposition leaders of misleading Kenyans on the budget process.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya