National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has urged Azimio leaders opposed to working with Kenya Kwanza to reconsider their stance and embrace President William Ruto’s invitation to form a broad based government.
Speaking while laying the foundation stone for the Webuye East Technical Training Institute on Saturday, Wetang'ula emphasized the need for collective leadership in addressing challenges facing the nation.
"I appeal to Azimio leaders who rejected President Ruto's invitation to form a government of national unity to rescind their decision," he said.
"The state of the nation now requires efforts from all leaders to restore normalcy, stimulate the healing process, and achieve economic stability. Azimio leaders should be part of this crucial process," he added.
The Speaker warned that divisive actions by the political class could not bring much-needed national healing, especially after the recent youth-led demands for reforms and improved governance.
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"It is through the selfless and patriotic actions of the political class that national healing will be stimulated," he said.
Wetang'ula praised ODM leader Raila Odinga for allowing his allies to join President Ruto's Cabinet, which aims to foster the national healing and stability.
"He (Raila) responded positively to President Ruto's call for the formation of a broad-based Cabinet, thereby fostering the nation’s healing and stability," he said.
The Speaker urged other Azimio leaders to abandon their hardline stance and collaborate in forming a government of national unity.
"I call upon other Azimio leaders to abandon their hardline stance and collaborate in forming a government of national unity. This unity is essential for achieving Kenya’s economic stability and prosperity," he said.
Azimio co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Jeremiah Kioni (Jubilee), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K) and Nark Kenya Martha Karua have declined Ruto's invitation to form a broad based government saying it was against the peoples' will.
The Speaker told Western Kenya leaders opposed to President Ruto’s call for broad based government that the well-being of Kenya surpasses individual interests.
"They should respect the leaders appointed to serve in the government," Wetang'ula said.
Among the Luhya leaders opposed to Ruto's broad based government are Governor George Natembeya (TransNzoia, DAP-K), Edwin Sifuna (Senator Nairobi, ODM Secretary General), Caleb Amisi (Saboti, ODM), Cleophas Malala (UDA, Secretary General), Peter Salasya (Mumias East, DAP-K), Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga Senator, ODM), Nabii Nabwera (MP Lugari, ODM), Wanami Wamboka (Bumula MP, DAP-K) among others.
These leaders recently held a closed-door meeting at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi and plan to hold a rally on Monday in Kakamega to gauge public opinion.
Wetang'ula was accompanied by MPs John Makali (Kanduyi), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), John Waluke (Sirisia), Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, and host MP Martin Pepela, as well as MCAs and other leaders.
Wakoli said the path to a prosperous and stable Kenya lies in the willingness of all leaders to work together, for the greater good of the nation.
"Ford-K will not give up on calling for national peace and promoting the efforts of cementing peace in the nation," he said.
Waluke asked the youth to be considerate in their demands to the government and let the President work to deliver his manifesto.