The approach to the 2027 General Election should not turn political competition into a source of fear and division, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has said, as he called on leaders and young people to stay away from violence and political goons.
Wetang’ula made the remarks in Ikolomani, Kakamega County on Thursday, where he joined mourners in condoling with the family of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale following the death of his wife, Mama Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale.
He urged politicians to put aside actions that could create tension and instead allow Kenyans to engage in politics peacefully and freely.
“I plead again with our young people, and indeed even with us as politicians, to endeavor to remain peaceful because, away from politics, we are all brothers and sisters. Politics must never divide us,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker said political violence and intimidation risked denying Kenyans the freedom to campaign, associate and take part in elections without fear.
He called on leaders seeking support in 2027 to rely on their ideas, policies and development records instead of using groups to harass or confront their political opponents.
Wetang’ula’s remarks came amid calls from leaders in Ikolomani for residents to maintain peace during the burial of Mama Gloria, regardless of the political sides represented by leaders attending the ceremony.
Ikolomani MP Innocent Mugabe asked residents to receive all leaders attending the final send-off peacefully.
“As Ikolomani people, we are peace-loving Kenyans, and I ask that we demonstrate the same tomorrow during the final send-off,” Mugabe said.
Kakamega County MP Elsie Muhanda also appealed for calm, saying Mama Gloria was remembered as an accommodating and hospitable person.
Muhanda said the late senator’s wife would have wanted the same spirit to guide those attending her final send-off.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei joined the calls for political tolerance, urging leaders and their supporters not to turn disagreements over politics into personal fights.
Cherargei described Khalwale as a strong debater in the Senate and asked politicians to protect peace as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Wetang’ula also delivered President William Ruto’s condolences to the Khalwale family following the death of Mama Gloria.