The High Court has moved swiftly to hear a petition challenging the political activities of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi after certifying the case as urgent, paving the way for an expedited hearing over claims that the two leaders have continued engaging in partisan campaigns despite earlier court orders restricting such conduct.
Justice David Mburu issued the directions on Monday after considering a Notice of Motion dated July 12, ordering that the application be served immediately before the matter returns to court on July 16 for further directions.
The application is linked to a constitutional petition filed last week by civil society organisation Vocal Africa, which accuses the two Speakers of taking part in Kenya Kwanza political mobilisation while serving in constitutional offices that require impartiality.
According to the court order, "the application is certified as urgent," allowing the matter to proceed on a priority basis.
Justice Mburu also directed that "the application be served immediately," before scheduling the matter for mention later this week.
"Further directions will be given on 16/7/2026 when the matter comes up for mention," the order stated.
The latest developments come days after the same court issued conservatory orders temporarily restraining Wetang'ula and Kingi from using "the authority, prestige, dignity, influence or incidents of their constitutional offices" to organise, promote or conduct partisan political campaigns until the case is heard and determined.
Vocal Africa argues that the continued involvement of the two Speakers in political mobilisation goes against the constitutional independence expected of Parliament and creates a conflict between their legislative duties and partisan political interests.
The lobby group is also seeking wider declarations on the use of constitutional offices and public resources in political campaigns.
Monday's proceedings did not determine the merits of the case but ensured that the application would be heard without delay.
The court further attached a penal notice warning against disobeying its orders.
"Take notice that any disobedience or non-observance of the order of the court served herewith will result in penal consequences to you and any other person(s) disobeying and not observing the same," the court order warned.
The matter will be mentioned on July 16, when the High Court is expected to issue further directions after the respondents have been served and their responses filed.