Let political parties not divide us, Western Kenya leaders declare

Senator Moses Wetangula (left) and Dr. Boni Khalwale(right) arrive at the burial service of late Former Police CID officer Richard Katola at Musabale Primary grounds, Navakholo Constituency in Kakamega County on July 4th, 2015. Wetangula maintained he will contest for presidency 2017 and asked wananchi to support his dream in the next general elections. [PHOTO/CHRISPEN SECHERE/STANDARD].

Western leaders renewed unity calls at the weekend, with a declaration that they would henceforth not allow party politics to divide them.

The leaders reached out to one another as they called for peer respect and inclusivity in matters of development even if they subscribe to rival political parties.

Speaking at Mbakalo in Tongaren constituency, Bungoma County, during the burial of Ivar Makari, son to Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Mukhisa Kituyi, Water Cabinet Secretary (designate) Eugene Wamalwa called on Luhya leaders to shun divisive politics.

Senate Minority Leader Moses Wetang'ula said Western Parliamentary Caucus members should involve governors and senators in their activities if their agenda is genuine and in public interest. The caucus, led by Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba, is made up of MPs only.

“I know our MPs are united but they should not allow other forces outside to decide their agenda. We have walked that path before. The caucus should include all the five governors and senators from the region for it to have a meaningful economic impact, failure to do that mjue munapangwa (you are being deceived),” said Wetang'ula.

Wamalwa, a former Saboti MP, also took issue with remarks attributed to Kakamega Senator Bonni Khalwale made in Mumias during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit that the region had only two notable leaders, Wetang'ula and himself.

Mutual respect

“You are my brother Khalwale but I must say this. We can only achieve this unity of purpose if leaders respect each other. There must be mutual respect among leaders. You cannot say that Khalwale and Wetang'ula are the only leaders in this region, what of Musalia Mudavadi, the 42 MPs, governors and senators from the region? Every one is a leader in his own right,’’ Wamalwa said.

Wamalwa asked the leaders to put politics aside and concentrate on development for now. “What we saw in Mumias is a paradigm shift in the politics of the region. What we’ve been experiencing in the past is power politics where we concentrated on who is more powerful than the other. Is it Ford Kenya or New Ford Kenya? This mentality will not help our people," said Wamalwa.

He read President Uhuru Kenyatta’s message of condolences to Dr Kituyi’s family.

The former Trade minister eugolised his son, saying he was a bridge to the world because of the connections and contacts he had established.

“At his age of 30, he had done what most of his peers have not done and probably what could have taken many more years to achieve,” said Kituyi.

“When I had Makari, I got energy that I have brought up a son who will take care of me. I had even delegated duties to him to take care of the family back in Kenya,” he said.

The former Kimilili lawmaker added: “The death of a child is a painful experience. We can learn to live with death but our pain is too much. Because of his two children, his legacy will still live on”.

Wetang'ula said he is not playing second fiddle to ODM leader Raila Odinga in the Opposition CORD but that he will contest for president in the 2017 election.

“Youths should register for identification cards because we have the numbers, we must complete the journey Michael Wamalwa began,” said the Ford Kenya Party leader.

Khalwale asked MPs to play their oversight roles effectively by ensuring the Executive accounts for its expenditure. “When the President came to Mumias and gave us Sh1 billion, we thanked him. When the president controls a budget of Sh2.1 trillion, and then it does not disturb you where one trillion goes, you are celebrating Sh1 billion which is a loan then your mathematics is wrong,” said Khalwale.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said Makari’s death should unite Western leaders.

“Let the death of Makari be our unity point today as leaders of Western region. Losing a child is painful to any parent and ask the almighty God to give Kituyi’s family strengthen and peace,” said Lusaka.

Trans-Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba said Makari’s death is a big blow to the community.

“Kituyi, you have suffered a big setback but we want you to soldier on and celebrate his life. Makari has left us at a very prime age. He was a young entrepreneur,’’ said Khaemba.

No speculation

Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi said: “Kituyi did not leave anything to speculation. He spoke candidly and it’s our prayer that God comforts his family and gives strength to Makari’s wife and children.”

Kiprono Kittony, chairman of Radio Africa, said Makari’s humility stood out in his work. He described him as a creative employee.

“May the family take courage during this difficult time. Makari was very brilliant and that is why we had him at Radio Africa Company. He was creative and a hard worker,’’ said Kittony.

Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa said the National Assembly will support the salary award given to teachers by the Industrial Court. He warned CS Jacob Kaimenyi against appealing the ruling.

Other leaders present were Reginalda Wanyonyi, Simiyu Eseli, Alfred Agoi, Musikari Kombo and Raphael Wanjala.