National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for respect for foreign diplomats in the country for enhancement of international ties.
Speaking in Webuye West constituency during a funds drive exercise, Hon Wetang’ula on Friday underscored the significance of diplomatic ties in fostering Kenya’s growth and stability.
In apparent reference to Opposition Leader Hon Raila Odinga’s attack on US Envoy Ms Meg Whitman, the Speaker said diplomats played a key role in international collaboration that Kenya has greatly benefited from and should be respected.
“Kenya is a country that upholds respect for diplomats of various States. Leaders should restrain themselves from attacking envoys for the good of the country,” he added.
He added:”Kenya has benefited a lot from the outstanding bilateral relations with America and leaders should reciprocate the gesture by respecting its envoys”.
Highlighting the critical importance of diplomacy and international relations, Wetang’ula stressed the need to uphold respect for foreign ambassadors and their respective nations.
He cautioned politicians against use of incendiary language on diplomats that could deter potential investors and undermine the nation’s image.
“Kenya should not allow politicians to employ regressive politics and drive away potential investors,” Wetang’ula declared, urging Kenyans to embrace progressive discourse that enhances the country’s global standing.
He noted that Opposition leaders should not be allowed to threaten bilateral relations between Kenya and USA as they addressed their grievances.
“As Kenyans, we must speak and handle our issues amicably. We should guard against any attempts to allow our political differences to soil the outstanding diplomatic relations with our foreign partners,” Wetang’ula asserted.
Odinga yesterday lashed at USA Ambassador Ms Whitman accusing her of interfering with local politics.
While referring to her as a rogue envoy, Raila asked the Ambassador to shut her mouth noting that her sentiments amounted to interference in local affairs of the country.
The Ambassador in her remarks during the Devolution Conference in Eldoret termed the last General Elections as free, fair and democratic.
But Odinga while addressing the same meeting a day later castigated the envoy over her remarks and threatened to call for her recall to her country.
But the Speaker came to Whitman’s defense noting that her remarks hold water and should be respected.
He pointed out that Odinga’s criticism of the envoy was counterproductive and a threat to the long standing bilateral relations between Kenya and USA.
He noted that it is the same Ambassador that the Opposition was lashing at that they will rush to for her intervention in resolving their grievances.
