National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has urged political party leaders across the country not to harass or intimidate elected leaders who are free to either work with the government of the day or opposition side.
Speaking on Sunday at St. Mary’s Uriri Catholic Church, Migori County, the speaker said that it was wrong for the opposition to harass elected leaders who have chosen to work with the Kenya Kwanza government for the sake of development.
He emphasized the need for political leaders in Kenya to uphold democracy within their respective political parties.
Wetangula called upon elected representatives not to succumb to intimidation and fear, reminding them of the oath they took to serve the people faithfully.
“You cannot preach democracy to the masses and practice oppression within your parties. Democracy must be upheld everywhere,” he said.
“Where I come from, it’s believed that if one doesn’t eat cow’s meat, he equally can’t drink cow’s meat’s soup. You can’t preach water and drink whiskey.”
Wetang’ula went on to highlight the need for dialogue and collaboration among leaders from different political parties and regions.
He condemned what he referred to as “draconian behavior” within political party leadership, emphasizing that such practices hinder meaningful development for the electorate.
“If it’s good for one region, it must also be equally good for another,” Wetangula said.
He urged Nyanza leaders not to fear working with the government, affirming that they were elected to represent their constituents without intimidation.
As an example, Wetangula shared his own political journey, mentioning how he faced challenges when he led the minority in the Senate and was kicked out.
He however said that these challenges ultimately propelled him to his current role as the Speaker of the National Assembly.
In a metaphorical reflection, he shared, “In my region, we have a frog that, when one kicks it, doesn’t know they are helping it go far. Sometimes when you oppress people, you unknowingly help them succeed.”
Wetangula urged leaders to put aside political differences for the sake of the nation and its people.
He commended the efforts of President William Ruto’s government in reducing the cost of living and called for unity in supporting these initiatives.
He concluded by reminding MPs and MCAs of their duty as public trustees of the electorate, emphasizing that they are elected to serve the people.
