- IN BRIEF: Wetang’ula assured the country that the parliament was ready and willing to play a vital role in facilitating bipartisan negotiations that would bring an end to the political standoff in the country. He urged political leaders to put their differences aside and work together for the prosperity of the country.
During a funds drive in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula expressed the Parliament’s readiness to facilitate bipartisan discussions that will bring an end to the current political standoff between the Kenya Kwanza and the Azimio coalition. He stated that the parliament was willing to midwife and facilitate negotiations that would lead to peace, tranquility, and development in the country.
Wetang’ula praised President William Ruto and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga for their decision to use bipartisan negotiations to resolve the political stand-off, noting that it was a noble idea and a show of statesmanship. He also commended Ruto’s commitment to engage in talks with any leaders for the prosperity of the country.
However, the Speaker took issue with the opposition, stating that it was wrong to blame Ruto for the high cost of living. He explained that the Kenya Kwanza government was operating on a budget prepared by the previous regime, which had subjected Kenyans to suffering. He added that Ruto’s first budget would be coming in July, and he hoped it would address the high cost of living by lowering prices of essential commodities such as fuel and flour, among others.
Wetang’ula challenged the MPs to ensure that the budget addressed fundamental issues facing Kenyans because they were the people’s representatives. He also expressed his happiness that political leaders from Bungoma County were speaking with one voice for the first time, irrespective of their political affiliations. As a result, they were able to bargain for development projects for the region when they met Ruto at State House on Wednesday.
