The Speaker of the Senate, Amason Kingi, and his National Assembly counterpart, Moses Wetangula, have called for cohesiveness amongst parliamentarians in order to drive the country forward.
The duo made their appeal during the funeral service of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo at Arap Moi Secondary School in Bartabwa, where they issued a word of caution concerning recent heightened political temperatures in the country, which they noted can hinder peace and tranquility.
Kingi said he is saddened that in this era the country was experiencing leadership that wants to divide the country along tribal lines.
He challenged the leaders to shun the practice and instead become agents of peace and unity.
“If we want to stand as one country, we need to unite; let’s refrain from dividing our people along tribal lines because we are one people,” speaker Kingi said.
The senate leader stated that political competitions should not be a do or die to the extent of causing animosity and rift amongst leaders.
The sentiments were echoed by Wetangula, who warned leaders to be careful not to cause a scenario that can return the country back to 2007/2008 post-election violence.
He challenged parliamentarians to talk in a language that unites when they are given the platforms to speak at the grassroots.
Wetangula acknowledged that the current administration was facing its share of challenges but called upon the leaders to give hope to the people instead of being the ones to lay blame.
“It seems we have forgotten the spirit of leadership. When there is a problem, the answer is to look for a solution instead of laying blame on others,” he said.
The assembly speaker invited politicians from both political divides to make it a habit of putting their heads together in tackling challenges affecting the people.
Wetangula warned that differences from leaders will make the electorates suffer while calling on the clergy to continue praying for them to be focused in their roles.
The call by the two speakers was also supported by President William Ruto, who graced the event, noting that leaders should be patriotic enough to lead in charting forward the destiny of Kenya.
Narok County Senator Ledama Olekina pleaded with leaders from both houses to unite for the sake of the country and warned that if they go on the contrary, it may lead to God sending a destruction.
“It is now upon us to look upon ourselves and realize our own existence to change the future of this nation,” he said.
Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, in his remarks, urged all leaders to emulate Senator Cheptumo, who he said never practiced the politics of hate throughout his three consecutive terms as MP and for the two and a half years as senator.
He stated that the politics of bringing others down is retrogressive and should not be allowed in Kenya going forward.
“You can win an election without hurling abusive words at others or accusing your competitor,” said Cheboi.
Majority of the speakers eulogized Cheptumo as a loyal, humble, and peacemaker to young and experienced leaders from the county and beyond.
Among the top dignitaries who attended the burial were Prime Cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior), Davis Chirchir (roads), majority leader Kimani Ichungwa (NA), and Aaron Cheruiyot (senate).
By Benson Kelio
