Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Masika Wetang’ula has called on Kenyans to shun violence and embrace peace, warning that anger and destructive protests only serve to derail the country’s development agenda.

Speaking during a peace and development forum in Lamu on the backdrop of Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025, Wetang’ula emphasised that stability is the cornerstone of economic growth, particularly for regions like Lamu with rich cultural and tourism potential.

“A peaceful country encourages development. Anger and violent protests only cause destruction,” he said. “With peace, the tourism industry will flourish, businesses will grow, thereby creating jobs—and the end result will be families thriving. But with anger and division, we are bound to lose everything.”

Reject tribalism, embrace equal citizenship

The speaker urged Kenyans to reject divisive politics and tribalism, saying all communities are equal under the Kenyan flag. “There are no ‘big’ or ‘small’ tribes. We are all equal,” he said, cautioning citizens against leaders who spread hate without offering concrete solutions.

“Leaders who move around full of bitterness, shouting slogans without solutions, are not offering leadership—they are spreading potent poison,” he added.

Wetang’ula also took time to recognise the critical role of women in national development, stating that empowering women results in stronger, more resilient communities. “When a woman is empowered, the whole community benefits,” he said.

He took to his X account. “Today in Lamu, I reminded Kenyans that peace is the foundation of development. With peace, the tourism industry will flourish, businesses will grow, thereby creating jobs, and the end result will be families thriving. But with anger and division, we are bound to lose everything,” he posed.

Appeal for peace in conflict zones

As parts of the country continue to experience unrest linked to Saba Saba demonstrations, Wetang’ula made a passionate appeal for unity and reconciliation, especially in restive areas. “Let’s support efforts to restore peace. Let’s choose peace, respect, and unity—because that’s how we build a better Kenya.”

His remarks come as youth-led protests escalate in major cities, with demonstrators demanding government accountability, economic reforms, and social justice.