Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi says addressing the challenges people face should form the basis for talks between the government and Opposition.
Addressing a church service at Our Lady of Luodes Machakos Catholic Cathedral on Sunday, Mwangangi encouraged both President William Ruto and Azimio Raila Odinga to have a fruitful dialogue.
This he said will help cool the political temperatures and restore peace in the country.
He, however, stated that the talks shouldn’t ignore ‘wanjiku’s’ plight owing to the current high costs of living and the numerous challenges majority of Kenyans face in their daily lives to earn livelihoods.
“We have seen there are indications for a dialogue at the national level. I wish our leaders should continue talking, they shouldn’t close doors for dialogue,” Mwangangi said.
“We shouldn’t forget about the public in those talks. The public should form the basis of discussion,” Mwangangi said.
“I know my governor, your governor, our Governor Wavinya Ndeti, is among leaders in the country who doesn’t sleep because of the residents of Machakos who elected her into office. At the national level, let’s not forget about citizens.
"If things start becoming better, let it not be better only to leaders, but all Kenyans and in that way we are going to prosper as a county and country,” Mwangangi added.
On the anti-government protests, Mwangangi said there's need for intervention by all stakeholders including the clergy to avert the situation and avoid more loss of lives and property .
“Both the government and opposition have spoken. It’s important for our leaders to listen to what the church is saying to cool down the political temperature in the country,” Mwangangi said.
“Investors are running to the neighboring countries because the working environment is not conducive. Its high time we go back to church, pray and repent as we lead Kenyans,” Mwangangi said.