Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has urged political leaderships from divergent divides to exercise tolerance ahead of the coming 2027 general elections.
He asked the leaders to observe decency and decorum during their campaigns by uttering statements that were not likely to further polarize residents along undesired divides that could derail the cohesive nature the Kenyan community enjoyed to realize the development achieved.
Watangula expressed fears that utterances with negative connotations during the electioneering period were a recipe for chaos because the resultant polarity were likely to trigger hatred based on ethnicity, nepotism or religion.
He said it was regrettable that some politicians try to gather support by propagating negative ethnicity and urged the electorates reject such politicians in totality in their attempt to creating a wedge among a peaceful coexisting residents for cheap political mileage.
Speaking during a fundraiser at Kanyadhiang SDA Church in Karachuonyo Constituency, Wetang’ula said politics should not divide Kenyans.
“Kenyans should not be divided because of politics. It is important for us to do our politics and remain united as a country,” Wetang’ula said.
He gave an example of his relationship with former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga with whom he differed politically ahead of 2022 General Election but they could still share a table while watching football.
“Raila was in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition while I was in Kenya Kwanza. But what many people did not know is that Raila used to invite me so that we could watch football together whenever Arsenal was playing a game because both of us were Arsenal supporters,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker told politicians to play issue based politics instead of abuses.
He argued that ideological based politics would enhance unity in the country after politics.
“Let our political leaders do politics of selling policies. We should remain a united country when politics ends,” he added.
He urged residents of Nyanza region to rally behind President William Ruto’s in next year’s election.
“Raila left the people of Nyanza in the government. Let’s continue supporting President Ruto in his re-election bid,” the Speaker added.
The sentiments were echoed by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and his Karachuonyo counterpart Adipo Okuome.
Kaluma said Ruto’s government had brought development to Nyanza.
“President Ruto has implemented a number of development projects in Nyanza and there are others being implemented. This tells us that he is with us,” Kaluma said.
“Let’s give Ruto two terms for us to continue getting more development projects and appointments in the next government,” Kaluma said.
Kaluma said Odinga left them in Ruto’s hands hence they need to continue supporting him.
“We have given our party leader Oburu Oginga the mandate to negotiate with Ruto.” Kaluma said.
Okuome said it was prudent for them to support Ruto.
“As a community, it is important for us to support Ruto because he has shown goodwill to the people of Nyanza” Okuome said.
By Davis Langat
