National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has urged Kenyans to judge the national government based on its development record and policies instead of being swayed by propaganda and political rhetoric.
Ichung’wah, who was meeting with grassroots women leaders in Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County, said residents should focus on the policies and programmes implemented by the government and how they are transforming their lives.
The Majority Leader said political competition should be based on ideas and policies rather than insults, violence, and the disruption of political meetings.
He accused some political leaders of using young people to cause chaos at political gatherings before later branding the same youths as goons.
“Leaders should stop using young people negatively. Political debates are not physical fights. They should be a contest of ideas and policies,” Ichung’wah said.
He urged politicians to present alternative policies to the people instead of engaging in confrontations and using young people for political purposes.
Ichung’wah also addressed concerns surrounding President William Ruto’s recent remarks to traders in Nyamakima and Kamukunji, saying the President’s comments were not directed at any particular community or citizens of neighbouring countries.
He called for peaceful coexistence among Kenyans and citizens from other East African countries who are legally conducting business in the country.
“Let us not harass our brothers and sisters from Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania who live and work with us. Many of them are engaged in legitimate businesses that contribute to the growth of our economy.”
Ichung’wah said Kenya and other East African countries have close economic ties, noting that many Kenyans are also living, working, and operating businesses in neighbouring countries, hence the need for peaceful coexistence and regional integration among citizens of the region.
However, the majority leader said foreign nationals living and conducting business in Kenya should be properly registered in accordance with the law. He said registration would help authorities establish who is in the country, the nature of their businesses, and the work they are undertaking.
“This is not about targeting any community or country. Proper registration is important for the security of those living and working in Kenya and for our national security.”
The majority leader further announced that rice farmers in Mwea and neighbouring areas had started receiving their delayed payments.
He said the government had allocated funds in the budget to clear the farmers’ arrears and assured them that payments would continue until all beneficiaries had been paid.
“I was in Mwea recently, and we assured the people of Mwea that they would receive their rice payment this week. Starting yesterday, farmers have begun receiving their payments,” he said.
Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari also warned politicians against exploiting young people for political violence and disruption.
Gitari said young people, including university students, should be supported and empowered to build their future instead of being recruited to cause chaos at political meetings.
“Stop using our boys in the wrong way. Show them what they are supposed to do. Give them a fishing rod so that they can fish for themselves tomorrow,” Gitari said.
He claimed that some young people who had been sent to disrupt political meetings had later admitted that they had no ill intentions but were driven by hunger.
By David Wandeto
