Wetang’ula to leaders: Advance agenda, not politics of division

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on leaders to exercise sobriety ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Speaker said leaders should emphasize agendas that empower citizens to make worthy decisions, not divide the country.

Speaking after a service at St Teresa of Calcutta, Kawoundi Parish, Kisumu Diocese, Wetang’ula said the church remains the cornerstone of cohesion and integration in the nation.

“With political temperatures rising ahead of the 2027 General Election, I called for sobriety among leaders, urging them to advance agendas that empower citizens to make worthy decisions, not divide the country,” Wetang’ula said on X.

“I joined worshippers in prayer and urged them to remain steadfast in seeking peace for our nation, that hate, lies, divisions, tribalism, and every evil intent may be neutralised.”

He said that now that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is fully in place, he encouraged young people to register as voters and exercise their constitutional right to elect leaders they deem fit.

On Lake Victoria, he noted that while cases of fishermen’s arrests have reduced, regional laws under the East African Community need review to ensure our citizens fully benefit from local resources.

In July, while speaking during a Church Service in Bungoma, Wetang’ula urged politicians to respect the independence of the reconstituted IEBC.

Wetang’ula asked that the leaders refrain from making statements that could compromise the operations of the IEBC.

"Politicians, especially some of the younger leaders, must avoid making reckless and prejudicial statements that could undermine the autonomy of the Commission," he said.

He insisted that the IEBC is a constitutionally independent institution that should operate free from political influence.

"The Commission does not take instructions from anyone, regardless of status or position, not even the President can direct the IEBC on how to execute its duties."

Wetang’ula stressed the importance of giving the IEBC the necessary support to build public trust as it sets in motion preparations for its upcoming responsibilities, including overseeing by-elections in various constituencies and wards, as well as the nationwide voter registration drive.

He noted that Kenyans have long awaited the reconstitution of the Commission, and they have high expectations of the newly sworn-in team.