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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has said the simmering differences between the political class and the church is not good for the peace and prosperity of the country.

Speaking during a Christmas mass service, Wetang’ula said it was wrong for religious leaders and politicians to portray that there was a battle among the two organs.

He pointed out that there was no competition between the church and politicians, noting that both were serving Kenyans.

“There is no competition between secular leadership and the religious community. We are all serving the same people and we should work together in harmony,” said Wetang’ula.

The Speaker was speaking at St. Kizito Catholic Church, Kabuchai constituency in Bungoma County.

He was accompanied by leaders among them Wafula Wakoli (Senator Bungoma) Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), John Makali (Kanduyi), John Waluke (Sirisia), PS Mr Juma Mukwana and Joseph Nyongesa, Majority Leader Bungoma County Assembly among others.

The Speaker noted that the church was critical in fostering peace and harmony in the country, a role he said politicians were also playing.

He noted that collaboration between the political class and the religious leaders should not be debatable.

At the same time, Wetang’ula expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents along the roads.

“I call drivers to exercise strict caution, adhere to traffic rules and care about passengers they are transporting either with private or public vehicles,” he advised.

The Speaker reiterated his call on politicians to be in the forefront in drumming up support for the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He said politicians had the capacity to mobilize wananchi to register for the new health scheme because they meet them in many public forums.

He urged governors to use county resources to step up SHA registration to enable the majority of Kenyans to benefit from the new medical insurance.

“Murang’a governor has used county resources to register all homesteads on SHA…other governors should follow suit because health care is devolved,” he added.

While giving examples of individuals who have benefitted from the new scheme, Wetang’ula urged the public to shun critics whom he said were discouraging them from registering with the scheme.

He took issue with some MPs who have launched a spirited campaign against the scheme noting that it’s unethical to oppose the legislation they passed in Parliament.

“It is embarrassing to see some MPs using forums such as funerals to campaign against the new medical scheme. This is the law you enacted and you should not oppose it,” he added.

Said Wetang’ula: “Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Embu are among the counties leading in the number of people registered under the new scheme. We should emulate them.”

The Speaker urges farmers to start planning for planting for the next season noting that the country relied on the region for its food security.

“I ask farmers not to spend all the money on festive activities. Spare some cash for food production activities as soon as we get out of the festivals,” he added.