Wetang'ula: Your differences should not ruin bi-partisan talks

He said the talks are anchored in Parliament and he will guard against any attempts to scuttle them.

In Summary
  • He noted with concern the war of words between members of the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio Coalition.
  • On the Sugar Bill before the National Assembly, Wetang'ula said that he was optimistic that it would get the nod of Parliamentarians.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula speaking during the National Assembly Leadership and Editor's Retreat in Mombasa on September 18, 2023
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula speaking during the National Assembly Leadership and Editor's Retreat in Mombasa on September 18, 2023
Image: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula has asked Members of bi-partisan talks to guard against differences that can ruin the talks.

He noted with concern, the war of words between members of the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio Coalition at the talks at Bomas of Kenya and urged them not to lose focus.

"I have seen Members of the bi-partisan talks wrangling. I urge them not to lose the plot, equation and direction. Be focused and bring equality the President has desired the country to have," he said.

He said the talks are anchored in Parliament under the Speaker and he will guard against any attempts to scuttle them.

The Speaker called on leaders in the region to put aside their political differences and unite for the prosperity of the community.

"This time round we want all the communities in the Western region to walk together. Our equation has always been incomplete without all the communities living in the region," he said.

On the Sugar Bill before the National Assembly, Wetang'ula said that he was optimistic that it would get the nod of Parliamentarians.

"I was in Mombasa and met all chairpersons of Committees in the National Assembly to discuss the Bill. I want to assure farmers that it will be given the attention it deserves and a clean bill of health," he added.

He added that he was optimistic that the Bill sponsored by Navakholo MP Emanuel Wangwe will go to the third stage of reading in the House next.

"The Bill carries the potential to usher in substantial changes to the sugar sector for the benefit of farmers who have been suffering because of dwindling fortunes of the sector," he added.

The Speaker noted that the sugar industry has faced its fair share of challenges among them declining production, poor or delayed pay, marketing pricing of sugar products and cane poaching among others.

He spoke at Chwele Girls High School in Sirisia constituency, Bungoma County.

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star