National Assembly Speaker Rt Hon (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has asked Members of bi-partisan talks to guard against differences that can scuttle the talks.
Hon. Wetang’ula has noted with concern the war of words between members of the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio Coalition at the talks at Bomas of Kenya and urged them not to lose focus.
“I have seen Members of the bi partisan talks wrangling. I urge them not to lose the plot, equation and direction. Be focused and bring equality the President has desired the country to have,” said the Speaker.
Speaking at Chwele girls high school in Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County where he led more than 20 MPs in a funds drive in aid of the school, Hon Wetang’ula noted that the talks are anchored in Parliament under the Speaker and he will guard against any attempts to scuttle them.
Hon. Wetang’ula who was accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon Musalia Mudavadi once again called on leaders in the region to put aside their political differences and unite for the prosperity of the community.
“This time round we want all the communities in Western region to walk together. Our equation has always been incomplete without all the communities living in the region,” he emphasized.
On the Sugar Bill before the National Assembly, Hon Wetang’ula noted that he was optimistic that it would get the nod of Parliamentarians.
“I was in Mombasa and met all chairpersons of Committees in the National Assembly to discuss the Bill. I want to assure farmers that it will be given the attention it deserves and a clean bill of health,” he added.
He added that he was optimistic that the Bill sponsored by Navakholo MP Hon. Emanuel Wangwe will go to the third stage of reading in the House next week.
“The Bill carries the potential to usher in substantial changes to the sugar sector for the benefit of farmers who have been suffering because of dwindling fortunes of the sector,” he added.
The Speaker noted that the sugar industry has faced its fair share of challenges among them declining production, poor and delayed pay, marketing pricing of sugar products and cane poaching among others.
“All these teething issues that have seen some farmers withdraw from cane farming will be addressed by the Bill,” he added.
He noted that if passed into law the legislation represents a beacon of hope as it will help in revitalizing ailing sugar industries, increase production, deal with cartels and ensure farmers earn more from the cash crop.
MPs present through Hon Waluke who is the chairman of the Western MPs caucus promised to rally behind the bill.
“We support Speaker Wetang’ula and Hon. Mudavadi as our senior most leaders. Our unity will see them have power to bargain for development projects for our people in the government,” said Waluke.
Hon. Mudavadi expressed support for the MPs unity under the caucus noting that it was a move in the right direction.
He called on residents to support the government for the good of the people.
“Speaker and I are walking together. Our interest is the welfare of our people and we will drive the agenda,” he said.
Wetang’ula thanked all the leaders for rallying behind Hon Waluke in raising funds for the school.
