Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Moses Wetangula has asked the opposition leaders to stop undermining democracy, which they have been preaching for the masses.
Speaking on Sunday during a fundraising at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Uriri-Migori County, Wetangula said that it was ironic for any party leader to preach democracy while at the same time oppressing elected leaders working with the government of the day.
“It is by surprise that the same people who have been preaching and fighting for democracy, are the same people who are now soiling it. Why preach water, then take wine”, he uttered.
His speech came just days after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) threatened to deregister some of it’s Mps on allegations of ditching the party for UDA, further working with the government closely.
Recently, ODM expelled Mps Felix Oduor (Langata), Caroli Omondi Omondi (Suba South) and Sen.Tom Ojienda of Kisumu from ODM, accusing them of going to bed with the government, contrary to the party’s regulations.
Mark Nyamita of Uriri and Paul Abour of Rongo were on the same note, served with sh 1Millio fine each payable within 60 days, for them to be readmitted to ODM party.
He said that all were attempts by ODM to throw cold water in the Mps, equating it to the cry of a frog which doesn’t stop an elephant from quenching its thirst.
Wetangula encouraged the elected MPs not to fear to act nor act in fear but rather hold the oath they took as the trustees of their electorates.
He also asked the members of the 13th parliament to practice political inclusivity to enable the government to achieve its transformative agendas for the country.
“Do not be undermined by anybody to do well for your people even if you are threatened to do the contrary”, said Wetangula.
The Speaker challenged political leaders to allow their party members to express themselves as they will be held accountable by those who elected them.
“We have freedom of speech and expression as enshrined in the 2010 constitution but equally we must do so with the utmost respect guided by the constitution oath we undertook”, noted Wetangula.
The National Assembly Speaker also applauded all elected leaders across the political divide who have chosen to work with the government of the day to achieve peace, social economic, and democratic space.
His remarks come barely two days after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Raila Odinga affirmed the position of the party to expel five ODM MPs while on a tour in Migori.
Similarly, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi who was expelled from the ODM Party vowed to fight for his political space affirming that he will not resign from the party.
Omondi who accompanied Wetangula said that he was ready to fight in court and oozed confidence that expelled members would carry the day.
The legislature explained that all the Azimo affiliate parties had given their members freedom of expression and he did not understand why ODM was doing the contrary.
His sentiments were echoed by Uriri MP Mark Nyamita who acknowledged that he will continue to work with the government to realise economic and transformative agendas for his constituents.
The church fund drive which managed to raise 7 Million was also attended by Dagoritte North MP Beatrice Elachi, Kuria East MP Marwa Kitayama, Kimini MP Kakai Bisau, and Shinyalu MP Fredrick Lusuli.
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