Wetang'ula slams Western Kenya MPs for criticizing president

By Robert Mutasi 

Some Luhya Members of Parliament who have voiced doubts about President Ruto's desire to work with the opposition have come under fire from Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula. 

Wetang'ula pointed out those members of parliament who have openly criticized the president. 

Wetang'ula pleaded with the Luhya leaders who oppose President Ruto's efforts to remember that Kenya's prosperity comes before individual goals and to respect the people appointed to positions of authority.

"I urge the Luhya leaders who are opposing President Ruto's initiatives to respect the leaders who have been appointed to serve in the government and remind them that Kenya's well-being is more important than individual interests," he said.

These legislators feel excluded from the current administration.

While interacting with workers at the Nzoia Sugar Company on Monday, July 29, 2024 , Wetang'ula expressed his disappointment over the apparent dissatisfaction among Luhya leaders regarding President William Ruto's approach.

Given that celebrations had been held in Nyanza, Central, and Coast regions in response to the president's actions, the speaker questioned why this discontent was limited to Western Kenya.

"Why are leaders upset about the president's action only in Western countries?" the speaker questioned, "We have seen local people celebrate in Nyanza, Central and Coast!”

He praised ODM leader Raila Odinga for appointing prominent party members to the Cabinet, claiming that this would ease political strain and promote national reconciliation.

According to Wetang'ula, President Ruto's efforts to heal and restore stability in the country have been reinforced by former Prime Minister Odinga's patriotic move.

The tension from a section of Western lawmakers erupted after president Ruto nominated four ODM members to his cabinet.

The four are Opiyo Wandayi, the leader of the minority in the National Assembly, John Mbadi, the national chairman of the party, and two deputy leaders, Wycliffe Oparanya and Ali Hassan Joho.