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One Kenya Alliance principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula have told leaders of the East Africa Community not to politicise the integration of the community.
The two who are both former foreign ministers and who worked to revive the community said it has taken longer than expected by the founding fathers of the community for the actualisation of the treaty.
Speaking during a dinner hosted by East Africa Business Council in honour of the new East Africa Community secretary general Peter Mathuki in Arusha shortly after he received the instruments of power, Kalonzo who served as the first chair of the inter-ministerial tripartite commission tasked to revive the East African Community, said leaders must get rid of any political suspicions and build one formidable community.
The Wiper leader said he is alive to the fact that there are some thorny issues politically in the region but urged that they are ironed out so that the region can have a community that will be the pride of Africa.
“Fellow East Africans, let’s get rid of any suspicions in our midst, as one of you, I do know there are thorny issues in the region. I want to urge that we iron out any political differences in our midst and build a community that will be the pride of Africa,” he said.
Kalonzo further challenged the East Africa Legislative Assembly to prioritise the legislation on free movement of goods and services and the right to establishment. This he said would enable business to operate freely in the East African Community member states.
“As a lawyer, I want to come and establish my practice here in Arusha, that I believe is the way to go.” said Kalonzo.
Wetang’ula challenged the community to think of more integration within the member states through members of the assembly being elected directly by the people.
He said this model will help in informing member state citizens what East Africa Community is, what East Africa Parliament is and the benefits of integration.
Kenyans pride and nostalgia on the appointment of Dr Mathuki as EAC secretary general was evident with both government and political leadership represented in the ceremony of his installation to the office in Arusha.
The Kenyan government was represented by East African Community CS Aden Mohamed, Transport CAS Wavinya Ndeti and Amb Kiema Kilonzo whilst the political leadership included Kalonzo Musyoka, Senator Moses Weatag’ula, Kajiado governor Joseph ole Lenku, Nairobi Acting Governor Ann Kananu, Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka, five senators, six MPs and eight MCAs.
-Edited by SKanyara
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