The call for unity resonated strongly during a Sunday service and fundraising event held at Mary Mother of Graces Catholic Parish in Laikipia West Constituency. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, along with other prominent figures such as National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah, Investment, Trade and Industrialization Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, County Women Rep’ Jayne Kagiri, and Laikipia West Member of Parliament Wachira Karani, were present at the event.
Speaker Wetangula challenged elected leaders to focus their efforts on delivering quality services to the Kenyan people rather than engaging in regressive politics that could plunge the country into divisions and ethnic tensions. He emphasized the need to address various pressing issues, including service delivery, infrastructure development, education, and marginalization, underscoring the importance of finding a formula that works for all Kenyans.
The leaders affirmed that without unity, meaningful development cannot be realized, and they called for constructive politics that bring people together rather than divide them. They also took issue with alleged outbursts from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which they perceived as fueling the leadership battle in the Mount Kenya region. The leaders pleaded with Members of Parliament and government officials to adhere to President Ruto’s recent directive to desist from tribal and ethnic politics.
On the contentious issue of revenue allocation, the leaders expressed disagreement with the “One-Man-One Vote-One-Shilling” calls. Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah urged Senators to draft a bill that would establish a fair and equitable process for revenue division, taking into account necessary requirements. He suggested that their recommendations should be forwarded to the Commission of Revenue Allocation (CRA) and the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), chaired by Deputy President Gachagua, to develop a workable formula.
Ichung’wah cautioned against using public forums to clamor for the “One-man-one vote-one shilling” agenda, as it could further exacerbate ethnic divisions. Instead, he advocated for a more inclusive and consultative approach to address the complex issue of revenue allocation.
As Kenya continues to navigate its path towards national unity and development, these leaders’ calls for cohesion and constructive engagement serve as a reminder of the importance of putting the interests of all Kenyans above narrow ethnic or political agendas. Their collective efforts aim to foster an environment of harmony, where every citizen can contribute to and benefit from the nation’s progress.