National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has taken a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what he termed as exporting tribal politics to the international stage during his ongoing tour of the United States.
Speaking separately during two women empowerment programmes in Busia and Kakamega counties,
Wetang’ula criticised Gachagua, the current leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), for selectively addressing only members of one ethnic community while engaging Kenyans in the diaspora.
The events were held at at Busende Primary School in Matayos Constituency, Busia County and Mukumu grounds in Shinyalu constituency, Kakamega county,
Deputy President H.E Prof Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi were among leaders present.
Wetang’ula stated:”If you go overseas to speak to Kenyans, you must speak to all communities, not just your own. Every Kenyan abroad deserves representation, regardless of their tribe”.
He emphasized the need to promote inclusivity and unity, warning that Gachagua’s approach risks sowing division among diaspora communities.
The Speaker further noted that Gachagua’s conduct undermines the efforts by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, who he said are working collaboratively to foster national unity and reconciliation.
“Stop promoting divisive ethnic rhetoric overseas. Our diaspora is as diverse as our nation. It includes Kenyans from every corner of the country,” Wetang’ula said
He urged political leaders to rise above tribal lines, both locally and internationally.
Speaker Wetang’ula called for accountability even as he urged security agencies to apprehend political leaders who allegedly sponsored the recent Saba Saba demonstrations.
“The law should not only target ordinary rioters but also those who incited the chaos,” said the Speaker.
The Speaker noted that Ksh.6.7 billion has been put in the budget to complete key stalled roads in the region.
Wetang’ula also defended the national women empowerment initiatives, taking issue with leaders who have downplayed the programme’s significance.
He stated that the initiative is crucial in uplifting the economic status of women, particularly in rural areas where they form the backbone of local economies.
Prof. Kindiki while rallying residents behind President Ruto’s bid for a second term noted that the Head of State had initiated plans to revive stalled projects in the region.
He noted that money has been put in the budget to complete Kakamega Level Six hospital and Bukhungu stadium that have stalled.
“The Kenya Defense Force has taken over the Kakamega Level Six hospital and it’s construction would be completed before the year ends,” said the DP.
He added:”I know people from Western love football…Bukhungu stadium would be upgraded to international status to host key championships”.
Mudavadi took issue with Wajir Women Representative Hon Jehoh Fatuma Abdi over her remarks of stealing votes for President Ruto terming them as reckless.
“This is cheap politics. If you believe in President Ruto don’t associate him with stealing votes. You’re portraying him badly,” said the furious Mudavadi.
He commended the Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Hon Wycliffe Oparanya for his efforts to revive the Cooperative movement which he noted that was key to the growth and stability of the economy.
He however noted that Western residents were not joining cooperatives noting that the move has weakened the Saccos in the region.
“Our people are weak in Cooperative movement…you now have a CS who will back you to grow through saccos,” said Mudavadi
Governors Dr. Paul Otuoma (Busia) and H.E Fernandes Baraza (Kakamega),
MPs led by events’ hosts Hon Catherine Manyo (Busia) and Hon Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), and MCAs were among leaders present.
