Wetangula Seeks Removal from Sh6.1 Billion Traffic Camera Procurement Case
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has formally requested to be excluded from a legal dispute over the procurement of 25 traffic cameras worth Sh6.1 billion.
Through his lawyer, Ruth Nyaberi, Wetangula argues that he has been wrongly implicated in the lawsuit filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and other petitioners.
“The petitioners have failed to present any legal or factual justification for involving the Speaker in this matter,” Nyaberi stated in court filings.
She further emphasized that Wetangula’s involvement in the case is unnecessary and lacks legal merit.
“LSK has not demonstrated any direct actions, responsibilities, or misconduct linked to the Speaker,” she added.
Justice Chacha Mwita directed that all legal documents be served to the relevant parties before March 18, when the court will issue further instructions.
The case originates from a petition filed by LSK in February, challenging the procurement process for allegedly lacking transparency and public participation.
LSK has taken legal action against several government officials, including the Transport Cabinet Secretary, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Secretary to the Cabinet, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney General.
According to the petitioners, the procurement was approved by the Ministry of Transport without proper public consultation, violating constitutional principles of transparency and accountability.
LSK claims that despite multiple requests, the government has failed to provide essential documentation, such as feasibility studies, public participation records, and procurement justifications.
The legal challenge argues that the Sh6.1 billion project will impose a significant financial burden on taxpayers, potentially diverting crucial funds from sectors like healthcare and education.
“The project’s implementation poses an immediate and unnecessary financial strain on taxpayers and risks mismanagement of public resources, contrary to the Public Finance Management Act,” the petition states.
LSK is now urging the court to suspend the project’s execution until the government provides full disclosure on its planning, cost analysis, and justification.
