National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula has reaffirmed Parliament legislative and budgetary support to independent institutions including the newly appointed IEBC.
Speaking in his office during a courtesy call by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission led by the Chairperson Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, Speaker Wetang’ula emphasized on the need to offer support to independent institutions to enable them discharge their mandate effectively.
“As Parliament, we will support NCIC and any other independent institutions in every way possible in terms of budget allocation, in terms of strengthening the law if there is any need for such a thing to be done to enable you to discharge your responsibilities and play your part in keeping Kenya together, keeping Kenya peaceful, and keeping Kenya at peace with its people and itself.”
Said Speaker Wetang’ula.
Wetang’ula underscored the critical role played by NCIC to maintain National Unity and Harmony.
“Parliament Will Stand with NCIC to Uphold Peace and National Unity, our country needs a peaceful environment for progressive development “, noted Speaker Wetang’ula.
“I urge all Kenyans of goodwill to support the newly inaugurated IEBC to discharge its constitutional obligations, especially in preparation for the 2027 General Election. The Commission deserves our collective support not premature scrutiny or suspicion as it embarks on its critical national duty.”
On the other hand Dr. Kobia acknowledged the continued support offered to the commission by the legislature. He however asked the Speaker to fast track the NCIC amendment bill 2014 seeking to enhance the NCIC Act, 2008.
During the meeting, Speaker Wetang’ula raised concern on the regular protests in the country noting that there must be a distinction between demonstrations rioting and picketing. He called upon the political class to desist from issuing inciting statements noting that such statements should be discouraged as they can easily undermine the security of the country and polarize the cohesion and unity of the nation.
“We want to live to the true spirit of our 2010 constitution since we are a unitary state recognizing our diversity as a source of strength and ensuring that all Kenyans are free to live on property and enjoying their lives anywhere and everywhere in the country. Dr. Wetangula warned that any attempt to scare or frighten people or indicate that some people are not required to be where they are is criminal and must be dealt with as such,” noted Speaker Wetang’ula.
He highlighted that while the constitution of Kenya 2010 spells out the liberties and the enjoyment of those liberties by the citizens of Kenya, he acknowledged that the same constitution guarantees the rights and freedom of all citizens to demonstrate to picket and present petitions to offices of authority to have their issues dealt with.
Borrowing from other countries, he encouraged well planned and organized demonstrations that do not interfere with the rights of others.
He called upon NCIC to remain nonpartisan in dealing with issues currently facing the country.
