Western Kenya residents have been urged to reject tribal politics and embrace national unity ahead of next year's polls.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula cautioned Kenyans against divisive ethnic and regional politics, urging them to focus on cohesion and development.
He said every Kenyan deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness and equality, politics notwithstanding.
“Don’t allow yourselves to be confused and drawn into tribal politics," Wetang’ula said in Amalemba, Kakamega.
“It is unfortunate that someone who was discriminating against us over the sharing of government positions can now come here and tell stories about how the government has failed to fulfil its promises to Western.”
“I’m urging our people to remain steadfast, know where we came from, where we are and where we’re going. Kenya belongs to all of us, and everyone is at liberty to fraternise with us,” he added.
Wetang'ula said Raila Odinga’s leadership style underscored the importance of the diversity of the Kenyan population.
He said it is time for Western to rethink and reset its political approach and embrace collaboration, adding the region should play a central role in the country’s future leadership.
“Western region has for a while embraced opposition politics. Other regions work together but, as leaders, we attack each other. It’s time to rethink our political strategy and plan,” Wetang’ula said.
He said the current heightened political activities across the country by leaders from Western were not a sign of idleness but of “laying beacons for tomorrow”.
“These are beacons of hope and leadership. We want everyone to know the son of Mulembe is capable of providing leadership when the time comes,” the speaker added.
“As a community, we have supported the founding father Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Mwai Kibaki, Raila, Uhuru Kenyatta and now William Ruto. A good turn deserves another,” he said.
He said supporting Ruto’s re-election would position the region strategically for national leadership in the post-Ruto era.
“We don’t want to stand in an election to make a point but to win,” he said.
The speaker defended the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development record, arguing that consistent policies and a clear vision were essential to national progress.
“Singapore is a dream come true for humanity. We were on the same level but, due to consistent policies, development, hard work by the people and a positive attitude, they have left us behind,” he said.
