National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has led calls for women’s economic empowerment and national unity during a high-profile event in Mwatate Constituency.
Flanked by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Mwatate MP, and other local leaders, Wetang’ula on Thursday, July 3, 2025, said empowering women is both a moral and economic imperative.
The event, held under white tents draped in national colours, marked a major push to uplift women entrepreneurs in the region. Wetang’ula cited a 2023 World Bank report showing that women-led businesses contribute 23% to Kenya’s GD,P yet face systemic barriers such as limited access to capital and markets.
“Empowering our women is not just a moral duty—it’s an economic necessity,” he told the crowd, urging both public and private sectors to support grassroots efforts that drive inclusivity and prosperity.
The Speaker also used the platform to strongly condemn recent acts of violence, particularly gender-based attacks that have sparked widespread outrage. According to Amnesty International, 97 women were killed in Kenya between August and October 2024, highlighting what Wetang’ula called an urgent crisis.
“These acts are being carried out by individuals with no vision for our country,” he said. “We must stand together to protect our peace and unity.”
His remarks struck a chord with the audience, many of whom raised their hands in agreement, signalling a collective resolve to address the twin issues of insecurity and inequality.
“Kenya must move forward for progressive development in a democratic country. Listening to all the leaders during the Women Empowerment at Taita Taveta, drawn from the four corners of our nation, the message is one: building our country for prosperity. As leaders, we therefore need to respect each other and lead by example. Economic empowerment in our society will lead to job opportunities, wealth creation & stability of our great nation,” he said.
“Kenyans deserve equal treatment; women are the cornerstone of society and deserve to be supported. As we joined area MP, Hon. John Bwire, we strongly condemned the ongoing violent protests meant to destroy our country. It’s unacceptable for people to exploit youth unemployment to incite chaos and take advantage of joblessness to cause mayhem, he added.
Deputy President Kindiki, who was sworn in on November 1, 2024, following a turbulent impeachment saga, affirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding women and supporting economic resilience. His presence also underscored growing cohesion within the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
Wetang’ula, once a key opposition figure, has since emerged as a central pillar in President William Ruto’s administration. He praised Ruto’s achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and healthcare, describing them as foundations for a stronger and more inclusive Kenya.
“As leaders and citizens, let us rally together, in unity and purpose, to build a better nation,” Wetang’ula concluded.
