Speaker Wetang’ula calls for crackdown on schools ignoring safety rules

Speaking during a fundraising event at Chekalini Comprehensive School in support of PAG churches in Lugari Constituency, Speaker  Wetang’ula expressed concern that many school management teams continue to ignore key safety standards.

He said the recent Utumishi Academy fire tragedy, which claimed 16 lives, should prompt stricter inspections and firm action against schools that fail to meet safety requirements.

“It is painful for parents to lose their children in fire incidents that could have been avoided if schools had complied with the laid-down safety protocols,” he said while condoling with the affected families.

The Speaker blamed irregular inspections by Ministry of Education officials for the failure by some schools to implement safety measures.

“Lack of regular inspections is one of the reasons many schools fail to implement safety protocols that could save lives in the event of a tragedy,” he said.

Wetang’ula also called on the ministry to ensure that a responsible adult is assigned to sleep in school dormitories to help students evacuate during emergencies such as fires.

On politics, the Speaker cautioned first-term Members of Parliament against pursuing presidential ambitions too early, warning that such moves could hurt their political careers.

He noted that former Presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, as well as President William Ruto, first gained experience, built national networks and mobilised resources before successfully running for the country’s top seat.

“This should serve as a lesson to inexperienced leaders who are already seeking the presidency,” he said.

On Luhya unity, Wetang’ula said he was ready to work with leaders from across the region to ensure the community speaks with one voice and strengthens its political influence.

President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, said the Luhya community has a strong chance of producing Kenya’s next president after Mr Ruto completes his two terms in office as he described Speaker Wetang’ula as a strong contender.

“Wetang’ula has the qualities needed for the presidency and is among the leaders we are looking at to succeed President Ruto. Support him so that he can bring leadership closer to the Mulembe nation,” he said.

Other leaders present, including Senate Chief Whip David Wakoli, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, criticised remarks directed at the Luhya Council of Elders during the burial of former Malava MP Patrick Wangamati on Saturday.

Hon. Wangwe and Hon. Wakoli said community elders deserve respect and should not be subjected to political ridicule. They urged leaders with concerns about the elders to address them through appropriate channels.

The leaders also called on Kakamega Senator (Dr.)  Bonny Khalwale to apologise for remarks they described as disrespectful to the elders.

“The comments made by Khalwale against the elders were insulting, and he should apologise,” said Wangwe.