Speaker Wetang'ula responds to Raila over State House meetings

By Peter Ochieng

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula has responded to Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader, Raila Odinga's criticism of his presence at State House whenever president William Ruto ascents bills into law.

According to photos shared on State House channels, Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Jeffa Kingi among few others, are always present whenever Ruto ascents to any bill into law, attracting Odinga’s criticism.

In defense, Wetang'ula said that his presence aligns with his constitutional duty under Article 115, dismissing Odinga's claims of compromise as misplaced.

Speaking at a funeral ceremony in Kabuchai constituency, Bungoma county on Friday, Wetang'ula questioned Odinga's understanding of the bill assent process, highlighting Raila’s own past presence as Prime Minister at State House during the late President Mwai Kibaki's tenure without scrutiny.

The Speaker also addressed critics opposing the Monday meeting at the State House, involving President Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome, and himself.

The Speaker justified the meeting, stating it addressed crucial national issues, including corruption. "They should stop mourning louder than the bereaved,” he said.

It was reasonable, Wetang’ula said, for President Ruto to meet with heads of the two other arms of government, calling the condemnation unjustified. He urged opposition leaders to refrain from what he termed as baseless attacks for political gain.

On Nzoia Sugar company, the Speaker said Sh1.7 billion approved by Members of Parliament (MPs) through a supplementary budget will go a long way in supporting revival plans for the ailing sugar sector in the country.

He added that the allocation will boost the ambitious program that is being spearheaded by President William Ruto to breathe life back into the struggling sector.

While dismissing allegations that there are plans to sell the struggling Nzoia sugar factory, the Speaker said Sh300 million, being part of the Sh1.7 billion will be disbursed to the miller in Bungoma County.

"Leaders preaching propaganda that Nzoia is set for sale are prophets of doom. In two weeks’, time Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi will visit the factory to deliver the money. This will shame the rumour mongers," said Wetang'ula.

Out of the Sh300 million, Speaker Wetang'ula explained that Sh250 million will be used to settle debts owed to farmers, while the remaining Sh50 million will go towards paying pending employees' salaries.