Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula has urged Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to tone down their political tussle and exchange of words and focus on things that are currently more important to Kenyans. Wetangula said the handshake was meant to bring peace and unite Kenyans, but currently, Kenya’s political scene is taking the wrong trajectory, adding that there is too much name-calling, too much shouting at each other. “Tone down, as leaders of a high level, if Kenyans see us insulting each other on the press, what will they say?” he posed.
He urged the two leaders to focus on more important issues including reformation of the electoral system, how to rid the country of corruption, how to get women involved in mainstream politics, issues affecting the youth, helping farmers among others, “Not two senior leaders shouting at each other,” he added. He said as Ford Kenya, they are advocating for a proper political hygiene in the country, “Political hygiene is not about Raila shaking hands with Uhuru and ending there, we want handshakes to cascade anywhere and everywhere and to bring Kenyans together. Together this country can go places, divided this county will go nowhere,” said Wetangula.
He reiterated that the Ford Kenya party is rooting for a referendum and that all party branches hold the same view. He urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to take advantage of the tranquillity in the country and move quickly so that amendments can be made to secure a better electoral system and governance structure. He said as a party, they support a return to a parliamentary and mixed proportions system that will support women in leadership positions, adding that the gender bill has already failed to take off four times in parliament and it’s time we change tact.