The Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt Hon Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, has stated that the ongoing tensions between the political class and the church are harmful to the peace and prosperity of the country.
Speaking during a Christmas mass service, Wetang’ula emphasized that it is wrong for religious leaders and politicians to portray a conflict between the two groups. He pointed out that there is no competition between the church and politicians, as both are working to serve the people of Kenya.
“There is no competition between secular leadership and the religious community. We are all serving the same people, and we should work together in harmony,” said Wetang’ula.
The Speaker made these remarks at St. Kizito Catholic Church in Kabuchai constituency, Bungoma County. He was joined by several leaders, including Hon. Wafula Wakoli (Bungoma Senator), Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Hon. John Makali (Kanduyi), Hon. John Waluke (Sirisia), PS Dr. Juma Mukwana, and Hon. Joseph Nyongesa, Majority Leader of Bungoma County Assembly, among others.
Wetang’ula also highlighted the critical role the church plays in fostering peace and harmony in the country, a role that he believes politicians also contribute to. He emphasized that collaboration between religious leaders and the political class should not be in question.
In addition, Wetang’ula expressed concern about the increasing number of road accidents. “I urge drivers to exercise caution, follow traffic rules, and prioritize the safety of passengers they are transporting, whether in private or public vehicles,” he advised.
The Speaker reiterated his call for politicians to take the lead in supporting the Social Health Authority (SHA), urging them to mobilize citizens to register for the new health scheme. He noted that politicians have the ability to reach large numbers of people through public forums and should encourage them to sign up.
He urged governors to use county resources to enhance SHA registration and ensure that the majority of Kenyans benefit from the new medical insurance scheme. He cited the example of Murang’a County, where the governor has used county resources to register all households for SHA, urging other governors to follow suit.
Wetang’ula also addressed the issue of opposition to the scheme, criticizing some MPs who have launched campaigns against it. He deemed it unethical for MPs to oppose a law they themselves passed in Parliament. “It is embarrassing to see some MPs using forums such as funerals to campaign against the new medical scheme. This is the law you enacted, and you should not oppose it,” he said.
He also highlighted that counties like Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Embu are leading in the number of people registered under the scheme and urged others to emulate them.
The Speaker also encouraged farmers to begin planning for the next planting season, emphasizing that the country depends on the region for its food security. “I ask farmers not to spend all their money on festive activities. Save some funds for food production activities as soon as the festivals are over,” he advised.
The MPs who attended the service also raised concerns about the number of deaths caused by road accidents during the Christmas season and called for tougher measures against traffic lawbreakers.
“In the last few days, we have seen many people perish on the roads due to the carelessness of drivers. Traffic police should be strict with any driver found violating traffic rules,” said Hon. Wakoli, the Bungoma Senator.
The Senator added that roads should not become places where people lose their lives while traveling to celebrate with their families.
Hon. Kalasinga and Hon. Makali urged passengers not to tolerate drivers who endanger their lives through reckless driving. “Don’t sit in a vehicle and watch a careless driver put you at risk,” said Hon. Kalasinga.
Hon. Makali warned passengers not to board overcrowded public service vehicles. “The greed for money makes matatu operators overload their vehicles. Passengers should not be complicit in this,” he said.
Hon. Waluke called for peaceful coexistence among Kenyans, noting that tribalism was a major cause of divisions in the country. He urged all leaders to support President Dr. William Ruto’s efforts to unite and develop Kenya.
