Put Kenyans first, Cheruiyot tells MPs in talks

Legislators involved in the bipartisan talks should put Kenyans first instead of personal interests, Senate majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot has said.

Azimio is demanding action on the high cost of living, reforms in the electoral body (IEBC) and opening of the servers for the 2022 presidential election.

“Let’s have a common ground on the high cost of living because the government is giving subsidised fertilisers, but Azimio wants a subsidy as a solution,” the Kericho senator said.

Cheruiyot was speaking at Homa Bay Central SDA church on Saturday during a funds drive.

He asked the team from Azimio and Kenya Kwanza to discuss issues with sobriety.

“Differences in opinion shouldn’t stop the country from progress,” he said.

The bipartisan members' committee came up after President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga agreed to engage in discussion over issues the latter raised.

The Azimio team is headed by Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, while that of Kenya Kwanza is led by Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale.

Cheruiyot appealed to the teams to focus on ways to make the country remain peaceful.

“Kenyans want to have a solution in the bipartisan talks, which we hope to start on Tuesday,” he said.

Present were Interior PS Raymond Omollo, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, MPs Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Paul Abuor (Rongo) and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem).

Others were Nelson Koech (Belgut), Japhet Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), Felix Odiwuor (Lang’ata) and Mukunji Gitonga (Manyatta).

Nyamita urged the MPs in the talks to stop chest-thumping on the matter, adding that they should avoid what is not for development.

“Let's be driven by the interests of the common man, who is suffering in Kenya,” Nyamita said.

Ojienda urged the leaders to shelve their personal interests to create a conducive environment for economic growth.

“Let's avoid violence and focus on business and other economic activities to develop Kenya. Economic activities require an environment where people are peaceful,” Ojienda said.

He told Nyanza residents to support President William Ruto’s government to help them acquire development projects.

PS Omollo urged Nyanza residents to respect all elected leaders to enhance harmony and peaceful co-existence.

“Any leader who was elected and sworn into an office was voted in by Kenyans. Let us respect them as required by the Bible,” Omollo said.

Abuor also urged political leaders in the opposition to respect President Ruto’s government.

“We should work with the government and President Ruto,” Abuor said.