Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has called on the Ministry of Education to launch a nationwide crackdown on schools that have failed to comply with government safety regulations, warning that continued negligence is putting learners’ lives at risk.
Speaking during a fundraising drive at Chekalini Comprehensive School in aid of PAG churches, Wetang’ula said many school administrations had ignored critical safety requirements despite clear government directives.
“I called on the Ministry of Education to conduct a nationwide crackdown on schools that have failed to comply with the safety measures prescribed by the government,” he said.
He expressed concern over what he termed persistent disregard of safety standards by some school management teams, saying urgent enforcement was needed to prevent further tragedies.
“Many school management teams have ignored the implementation of critical safety standards,” Wetang’ula noted.
The Speaker linked his remarks to the recent fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy, which claimed the lives of 16 students, saying the incident should trigger tougher inspections and decisive action against non-compliant institutions.
“The Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy, which claimed 16 young lives, should prompt intensified school inspections and firm action against institutions that disregard safety requirements,” he said.
Wetang’ula also condemned attacks directed at the Luhya Council of Elders during the burial of the late Hon. Patrick Wangamati, terming the incidents disrespectful and unacceptable.
“Community elders deserve respect and should not be subjected to political ridicule,” he said, adding that he strongly condemned the attacks.
Turning to political leadership, the Speaker cautioned first-term Members of Parliament against premature presidential ambitions, urging them to focus on delivering their parliamentary mandate.
“I cautioned first-term MPs against being drawn into premature presidential ambitions,” he said.
He further reiterated his commitment to fostering unity within the Luhya community, saying long-term political cohesion must remain a priority for leaders in the region.
“I reaffirmed my commitment to working with fellow leaders to unite the Luhya community with a long-term vision for its political future,” Wetang’ula stated.
Wetang’ula urged stakeholders in education, politics, and community leadership to prioritize discipline, respect, and accountability in order to strengthen national cohesion and prevent avoidable crises.
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