National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula while speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast meeting held at Safari Park Hotel on June 7 called for reconciliation for all leaders as they discharge their duties for the good of Kenyans.
The National Assembly speaker highlighted how reconciliation has saved the nation from hostilities, anarchy, and loss of lives.
“I want to encourage us to continue embracing reconciliation as the modus operandi of our public discourses in running our affairs. Reconciliation is anchored in the 2010 constitution under the principle of alternative dispute resolution,” Wetangula said.
Wetangula mentioned past incidents where the country has been forced to take the path of reconciliation to foster peace.
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Among the examples he gave was the move by KADU to join forces with KANU after it lost in the 1963 election. As a result of the reconciliation, KADU dissolved in 1964 and merged with KANU.
He further stated how the reconciliation through the formation of an IPPG process calmed protest over the composition of the then Electoral Commission of Kenya from the Former President Daniel Moi led to the deaths of 13 protesters on Saba Saba day in 1997.
He also cited the Kofi Annan-led mediation efforts that saved Kenya from the abyss of anarchy following the disputed 2007 general election.
“Reconciliation has had benefits and has been the cornerstone of the history of our country,” Wetangula said.
In addition, the speaker of the National Assembly announced that the National Prayer Breakfast Meeting will be hosted by Parliament annually.
“We have made a decision that the National Prayer Breakfast will be one of the key events of Parliament and our members will not be having a cheque off to underwrite this event. The event will have a determinate day, every last Thursday of May of every year,” said Wetangula.
Nonetheless, Wetangula’s remarks came even political hostility continue to deepen between President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya led by Raila Odinga.
In fact, top opposition leaders including Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua declined an invitation to attend the annual National Prayer breakfast that brings together leaders from various sectors.
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They issued a statement on Tuesday, June 6 vowing to boycott the event citing insincerity from President William Ruto’s administration.
According to the opposition leaders, the prayer breakfast does not offer the opportunity for the country to show humility before God.
“Instead, the event will dishonor God and country with displays of arrogance, superiority, battles and false hope to citizens by Kenya Kwanza “read the statement by Azimio.