President William Ruto has differed with his deputy Rigathi Gachagua over the role of MPs and their engagement beyond their constituencies.
While speaking in Uasin Gishu, Gachagua had blasted some MPs he said were moving from one county to another politicking instead of serving those that elected them.
“I urge the MPs to stay in their Constituency and serve their people. The habit of political tourism must stop. This is what is giving us trouble,” he said.
But, speaking Sunday during an interdenominational church service in Bungoma, Ruto instead encouraged the MPs to continue traversing various their regions as that involves their roles.
According to Ruto, this is the only way the elected leaders can enhance their oversight and legislative roles.
“You have a duty to your constituency through representations but you also have a duty to the nation because of your legislative assignment and your oversight responsibility. It is upon you to represent the people of your constituency but you also have an extra duty legislating for Kenya of providing oversight for Kenya,” he said.
“If you want to understand those two roles you cannot live in your constituency and understand those other roles, you have get out, go to the next place, understand Kenya so that as you legislate and play oversight whether it is a project in a particular constituency you understand what it is.”
Ruto said this is the only way we can build a prosperous nation.
The head of state further urged the leaders to avoid preaching divisive politics and instead focus on the transformation of the country.
"Let me request and urge all our leaders to focus their energies on the transformation of our country not dividing Kenyans on tribal lines," he said.
He noted that there are several programs that need to be implemented for the benefit of the citizens.
He was accompanied by MPs Kimani Kuria (Molo), Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri town), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), Dan Wanyama (Webuye west), Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon), Fred Ikhana (Shinyalu), Kanini Kega (EALA), Sabina Chege, Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo).
Others were Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi, Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, John Methu (Nyandarua), Martin Wanyonyi (Webuye East), John Makali (Kanduyi), Vihiga woman rep Beatrice Adagala, Malulu Injendi (Malava), John Waluke (Sirisia), Mburu Kahangara (Lari) and Robert Gichimu (Gichugu).
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure, his Health counterpart Susan Nakhumicha and Governors Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Paul Otuoma (Busia) and Fernendes Barasa (Kakamega) were also in attendance.
