National Assembly Speaker Hon. Moses Wetang’ula has asked Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to drop the hardline stance against forming a government of inclusivity and a broad-based cabinet.
Wetang’ula said it was unfortunate that the former Vice President rejected President William Ruto’s plea to Azimio leaders to form a government of national unity.
Speaking in Bungoma County, Wetang’ula challenged the Kalonzo-led Azimio leaders to collaborate with President Ruto noting that the formation of a broad-based cabinet is aimed at addressing demands that were raised by pro-reform youths.
He noted that the current state of the country is delicate and requires selflessness from politicians to restore stability.
“It is through the selfless and patriotic actions of the political class that national healing will be stimulated after the recent period of youth-led demands for reforms and improved governance,” said Wetang’ula.
The Speaker made the remarks when he laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Webuye East Technical and Vocational College in Bungoma County.
He was accompanied by Bungoma senator Wafula Wakoli, MPs John Waluke, John Makali, Didmus Barasa, and the host Martin Pepela among other leaders.
He welcomed ODM leader Raila Odinga’s decision to have key members of his party nominated to the Cabinet, noting that the move would cool down political temperatures and stimulate healing of the nation.
“Former Prime Minister Odinga’s move is patriotic and has reinforced President Ruto’s efforts to heal and restore stability in the country,” said Wetang’ula.
Wetang’ula said there was still time for the Kalonzo-led team to abandon its hardline stance and collaborate in forming a government of national unity.
The Speaker said the government of national unity was essential to achieving Kenya’s economic stability and prosperity.
The Speaker further said Odinga’s critics who are lashing at him for opting to work with the government were wrong and asked them to rethink their stand.
He noted that jubilations that greeted the nomination of ODM leaders to the cabinet in their backyards were a sign of acceptance.
“The reception by supporters of leaders from the Opposition nominated to the Cabinet coupled by a warm welcome accorded to President Ruto by locals in Mombasa recently should be an eye opener to those opposed to the decision by the Head of State,” he added.
And when he spoke later on at Nzoia sugar factory during a meeting with staff and farmers, Wetang’ula took issue with Luhya MPs who poured cold water on President Ruto’s decision to work with the Opposition.
He noted that the MPs who have gone public lashing at the president and planning a rally in Kakamega to chat the way forward for the Mulembe nation after the move are lost.
“I appeal to Luhya leaders opposing President Ruto’s initiatives, reminding them that Kenya’s well-being surpasses individual interests and urge them to respect the leaders appointed to serve in the government,” he said.
He added: “Why is it that it is only in Western that leaders are agitated with the president’s move? We have seen local people celebrate in Nyanza, Central, and Coast!”
Wetang’ula noted that the Nzoia sugar factory which has been on its knees due to financial challenges is on a recovery path after the government injected funds and reforms.
He noted that the government recently disbursed Kshs.150 million to settle salary arrears of staff and promised them that the balance would be cleared.
He noted that the resumption of cane crushing by the Mill was a positive move that is giving hope to farmers who rely on it for their livelihood.
