By Faith Anene, Kakamega
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on the Ministry of Education to launch a nationwide crackdown on schools that fail to comply with government safety regulations, warning that continued negligence is putting students’ lives at risk.
Speaking during a fundraising event at Chekalini Comprehensive School in Lugari Constituency in support of PAG churches, Mr Wetang’ula said non-compliance with safety standards had contributed to repeated fire tragedies in schools across the country.
He cited the recent fire at Utumishi Academy, which claimed the lives of 16 students, as a stark reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures.
“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 affected families.
The Speaker expressed concern that some school management teams continue to ignore key safety requirements despite government directives.
He also blamed irregular inspections by education officials for allowing some institutions to operate without meeting mandatory safety standards.
“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.
Mr Wetang’ula urged the Ministry of Education to strengthen oversight and ensure all schools adhere to safety regulations. He further proposed that a responsible adult be assigned to sleep in school dormitories to help coordinate evacuations and emergency responses in the event of fires or other disasters.
On national politics, the Speaker cautioned first-term Members of Parliament against pursuing presidential ambitions prematurely, arguing that leadership experience, national networks and political maturity are essential before seeking the country’s highest office.
He pointed to the political journeys of former Presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, as well as President William Ruto, saying each spent years building support and experience before successfully contesting for the presidency.
“This should serve as a lesson to inexperienced leaders who are already seeking the presidency,” he said.
Addressing the question of Luhya political unity, Mr Wetang’ula said he was prepared to work with leaders from across the region to strengthen the community’s influence in national politics.
President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, said the Luhya community stood a strong chance of producing Kenya’s next president after Mr Ruto completes his constitutional two terms in office.
He described Mr Wetang’ula as one of the leaders capable of succeeding the president.
“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,” Mr Kibet said.
Several leaders attending the event, 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.
Mr Wangwe and Mr Wakoli said community elders deserved respect and should not be subjected to political ridicule. They urged leaders with concerns about the council to use appropriate channels to address them.
The leaders also called on Kakamega Senator 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,” Mr Wangwe said.
