Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate chief whip David Wakoli in a jig during a funds drive in aid of PAG churches in Lugari constituency at Chekalini on Sunday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula addressing supporters during a fund raiser in aid of PAG churches in Lugari constituency at Chekalini on Sunday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYONational Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for a nationwide crackdown on schools that fail to comply with safety regulations, warning that negligence continues to cost lives and destroy property.
Speaking during a fundraising drive for Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) churches in Lurambi Constituency at Chekalini Comprehensive School, Wetang’ula urged the Ministry of Education to take tough action against institutions that ignore government-prescribed safety standards.
His remarks come in the wake of the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire that claimed 16 students and left several others injured.
The Speaker expressed concern that many school management teams only address safety shortcomings after tragedies occur, despite existing guidelines designed to protect learners.
“It hurts for parents to lose their children through fire tragedies that could be avoided had schools complied with the laid-down safety protocols,” Wetang’ula said.
He called for intensified inspections in schools across the country and firm action against institutions found to be disregarding safety requirements.
Wetang’ula also urged schools to ensure students are not left unattended in dormitories at night.
The Speaker said responsible adults should be accommodated in dormitories alongside learners to help coordinate evacuation and emergency response in the event of a fire or other disaster.
He warned that assigning blame after tragedies occur does little to address the root causes of recurring incidents in learning institutions.
The event was attended by Senate Chief Whip and Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.
The leaders also condemned attacks directed at the Luhya Council of Elders during the burial of former Luhya Elders Forum chairman Patrick Wangamati on Saturday.
Wakoli and Wangwe said community elders deserve respect and should not be subjected to political ridicule.
The Bungoma senator urged leaders with grievances against elders to pursue appropriate channels rather than airing disputes at public gatherings.
Wangwe, on his part, cautioned first-term Members of Parliament against engaging in premature presidential politics, calling on Luhya leaders to focus on unity and a long-term strategy for the community's political future.
