Rally behind the unity agenda, Speaker Wetang'ula urges leaders

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠̇

National Assembly Speaker Rt Hon (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula has called on leaders to rally behind the national unity agenda spearheaded by president Dr William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Hon Wetang'ula said that the success on the national unity initiative is dependant on the support of all leaders irrespective of their political affiliation.

"The pact between President Dr Ruto and former Premier Odinga is for the good of the country. If we mean well for the country we should all rally behind them for peace and prosperity of our nation," said the Speaker.

Wetang'ula made the remarks when he together with Senate Speaker Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi hosted Muslim faithfuls for the inaugural Parliament Iftar dinner to mark the Holy month of Ramadan.

The event was held at the main Parliament Buildings.

Hon. Wetang'ula took a swipe at political leaders pouring cold water on the Ruto-Raila reunion noting that they were ignorant of the benefits the pact would bring to Kenyans.

"I strong condemn leaders who are criticizing Opposition leaders Odinga for agreeing to work with president Ruto," he added.

He added: "I commend the ODM leader for the move because this is among many sacrifices he has made for prosperity of this nation and we should support the decision instead of dismissing it".

The Speaker noted that hosting the iftar dinner at Parliament had reaffirmed the House's dedication to embracing Kenya's diverse cultural and religious identities.

The event, which provided an opportunity for members of the Muslim community to break their fast, brought together members of the Cabinet, Judiciary, diplomatic corps, Members of Parliament, and parliamentary staff.

In a bid to foster inclusivity, Parliament has now formalized the annual Parliament Iftar dinner as part of its official calendar of events. 

"The initiative aligns with Parliament's broader goal of fostering inter faith dialogue, promoting religious tolerance and strengthening national unity," said Hon Wetang'ula.

He expressed his gratitude to members of the Muslim community for accepting the invitation, even as he reflected on the significance of the Holy month as Ramadan which this coincides with the Christian Lenten season—both sacred periods of prayer, reflection, and devotion.

The Speaker thanked Premier Bank for partnering with Parliament to host the Iftar.

He noted that it was the collective duty of all Kenyans to protect the vulnerable and encourage responsible leadership to uphold national unity.

Leaders in attendance included Environment CS Hon. Aden Duale, his Mining counterpart, Hon. Ali Hassan Joho, House leaders from both chambers, the Chief Kadhi, and the CEO of Premier Bank, among others.