National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has said Parliament is ready to facilitate the bipartisan discussions that will resolve the current political standoff between Kenya Kwanza and the Azimio coalition.
"I want to assure the country that Parliament is ready to midwife and facilitate the negotiations that will bring peace, tranquility and development to our country," he said.
Wetang'ula was speaking on Friday during a funds drive in aid of Chebukaka Girls Secondary School in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County.
The former Bungoma Senator praised President William Ruto and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga for choosing bipartisan negotiations to resolve the political stand-off.
The speaker said the decision was a noble idea and a show of statesmanship by the two leaders.
Wetang'ula noted that Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to engage in talks with any leaders for the prosperity of the country.
"The Head of State has been clear that the talk should not be centered around the last general election because the polls were credible," Wetang'ula said.
The Speaker however took issue with the opposition noting that it is wrong to blame Ruto for the high cost of living.
“Kenya Kwanza government is operating on a budget prepared by the last regime which has subjected Kenyans to suffering. Ruto’s first budget will be coming in July and we hope through it we shall address the high cost of living by lowering prices of essential commodities such as fuel and flour among others,” he said.
The Speaker challenged the MPs to ensure the budget addresses fundamental issues facing Kenyans because they are the people's representatives.
Wetang'ula said he was happy that for the first time, political leaders from Bungoma County were speaking with one voice irrespective of their political affiliations.
As a result, they were able to bargain for development projects for the region when they met Ruto at State House on Wednesday.