Wetang’ula: Let’s bury divisive politics, build a united Kenya

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on Kenyans to reject divisive politics and instead champion unity, peace, and inclusivity as cornerstones of national development.

Speaking during the funeral of Mzee Isaac Ngugi Ichung’wah — father to Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah — in Kiambu County, Wetang’ula stressed that Kenya’s prosperity hinges on its ability to foster cohesion across generations and communities.

“This country belongs to all of us. Let us embrace one another as brothers and sisters and work together for the good of our nation,” said Wetang’ula.

The Speaker made a pointed appeal to the youth, particularly those aligned with Generation Z, urging them to prioritise peace, national harmony, and responsible engagement in public discourse.

“Each generation has its time, its space, and its responsibility. Our duty is to build a cohesive nation — one where dialogue, respect, and unity take precedence over division,” he noted.

In a moving tribute, Wetang’ula reflected on the life of the late Mzee Ichung’wah, drawing on his legacy of wisdom and integrity to call for generational respect and learning.

“Age is a transient stage in the life of a human being. The old man we are laying to rest today was once a member of Generation Z of his time,” he said.

“His widow was a beautiful queen in her youth. We must build a Kenya where the young, the middle-aged, and the elderly all know they have their space.”

Quoting the revered Tanzanian poet Shaaban bin Robert from Kusadikika, Wetang’ula emphasised the power of language to either heal or harm.

“We must erase from our vocabularies words that breed hate, anxiety, and division. Instead, we should nurture a Kenya where love, peace, and unity bind us together.”

The Speaker also encouraged Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to honour his father’s legacy by promoting unity within Parliament and across the country.

The funeral was attended by a host of high-ranking leaders, including President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Governors led by Embu’s Cecily Mbarire, and legislators, including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.

Mzee Ichung’wah was remembered as a man of integrity, humility, and strong family values, traits that his son and other leaders were urged to emulate as they carry forward his legacy.