Wetang’ula Urges Politicians to End Feud with Church

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has emphasized the need for collaboration between political figures and religious leaders, highlighting that the increasing rifts are detrimental to the nation.

Wetang’ula cautioned that discord between these two groups jeopardizes the country’s peace and well-being.

According to the speaker, there is no rivalry between the Church and politicians, as both are working to serve Kenyans in their respective capacities.

While addressing a Christmas mass service at St. Kizito Catholic Church in Kabuchai constituency, Bungoma county, the speaker remarked that it was inappropriate for the clergy and politicians to suggest a conflict between the two groups.

“There is no rivalry between secular leaders and the religious community. We are all serving the same citizens and should collaborate in unity,” Wetang’ula stated.

The speaker acknowledged that the Church plays a vital role in promoting peace and unity in the nation, a function he believes politicians also fulfill.

He asserted that teamwork between the political realm and religious leaders should be a given.

Simultaneously, Wetang’ula voiced his worry about the rising number of road accidents.

“I urge drivers to exercise utmost caution, comply with traffic regulations, and prioritize the well-being of their passengers, whether in private or public vehicles,” he advised.

The speaker was joined by several leaders, including Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli and MPs Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), John Makali (Kanduyi), John Waluke (Sirisia), PS Juma Mukwana, and Joseph Nyongesa, the majority leader of Bungoma County Assembly, among others.

The speaker concurrently reiterated his appeal for politicians to take the lead in promoting the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He mentioned that politicians have the ability to rally citizens to register for the new health initiative as they interact with them in various public settings.

Wetang’ula encouraged governors to utilize county resources to enhance SHA registration, enabling a larger portion of Kenyans to benefit from the new medical insurance.

“The Murang’a governor has leveraged county resources to register all households on SHA. . . other governors should follow this example since health care is decentralized,” the speaker noted.

While citing instances of individuals who have gained from the new program, Wetang’ula urged the public to disregard critics who are discouraging them from signing up for the scheme.

He criticized certain MPs who have launched a robust campaign against the initiative, underscoring that it is unethical to challenge the legislation they themselves endorsed in Parliament.

“It is disconcerting to observe some MPs using occasions like funerals to speak out against the new medical scheme. This is the law you enacted, and it should not be opposed,” he continued.

“Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Embu are among the counties with the highest number of participants in the new scheme. We should take inspiration from them. “

The speaker also urged farmers to begin preparations early for the upcoming planting season, stressing that the region is essential for the nation’s food security.
“I urge farmers to refrain from using all their funds on holiday celebrations. Set aside some money for agricultural activities once the festivities end,” he stated.

The MPs present at the church service expressed concerns over the increasing fatalities from traffic incidents during this Christmas period and urged the government to enforce strict measures against traffic law offenders.

“In recent days, we have witnessed numerous fatalities on the roads due to driver negligence. Traffic officers should be stringent with any driver found to be breaking traffic regulations,” Wakoli commented.

The senator emphasized that roads should not become hazards for individuals traveling to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.

Kalasinga and Makali encouraged passengers to speak out against drivers who jeopardize their safety through reckless driving and overcrowding.

Waluke advocated for harmonious coexistence among Kenyans, pointing out that tribalism is the root cause of the divisions faced in the nation.

He called on all leaders to back President William Ruto’s initiatives to unify and advance Kenya.