Justice Chacha Mwita will in June rule on whether Parliament must remove skeleton carvings at the entrance of the National Assembly and on the Speaker's seats, following a petition challenging their presence. John Mweha, a resident of Ndenderu in Kirinyaga County, has filed the case, arguing that the carvings promote idolatry and occult practices.
He also claims the imagery evokes painful memories of colonial oppression and slavery. According to court documents, Mweha contends that the 12 skeleton carvings at the entrance, particularly two central figures stepping on the year 1963-Kenya's independence year-symbolise continued subjugation.
He argues that such imagery undermines the dignity of the National Assembly.
The petitioner further claims that the carvings may have an unconscious influence on parliamentary proceedings and the decisions made by lawmakers.
