National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged political leaders to exercise tolerance and respect divergent political views as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

Speaker Wetang’ula said political differences and shifting alliances should not breed hostility insisting that leaders must be free to pursue their political beliefs without intimidation or interference.

Speaking at Friends Church in Lang’ata, Nairobi, during a requiem service for former ambassador and MP Burudi Nabwera on Wednesday, the Speaker called on politicians to conduct themselves with maturity and respect.

“I urge leaders in the political class to exercise maturity and respect in their political engagements,” he said.

Mr Wetang’ula reminded politicians that elections are temporary contests but their responsibility to protect the country and safeguard its future goes beyond political competition.

He urged leaders to emulate the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he described as a politician who could engage his rivals despite their differences.

“For those of us in the political class, sometimes we get carried away, but we should emulate the late Mzee Raila, who embraced, dined and talked to his competitors,” he said.

The Speaker’s remarks come as political realignments gather pace ahead of next year’s elections with leaders positioning themselves for new alliances and competing political formations.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi also paid tribute to Mr Nabwera describing him as a principled leader who combined courage with wisdom and integrity.

Mr. Mudavadi said the late politician served effectively in government, including as Minister of State in the office responsible for internal security now under the Ministry of Interior.

“Mzee Nabwera could disagree with you but was never insolent. He was courageous, stood his ground and communicated with a lot of integrity,” he said.

Mr. Mudavadi conveyed his family’s condolences to the bereaved family, describing the late Nabwera as a family friend of his late father, Moses Mudavadi.

Former National Assembly Speaker Francis Ole Kaparo remembered Mr Nabwera as a distinguished public servant who served the country with dignity.

“I first knew Hon Nabwera when he served as Kenya’s first representative to the United Nations. Later, we were elected MPs in 1988,” Mr. Kaparo said.

He challenged political leaders to exercise restraint in their public engagements, urging them to avoid insults and inflammatory language at political rallies.

Lugari MP Hon. Nabii Nabwera described the deceased as his political mentor saying he had guided him from an early age and supported his family following the death of his father.

“Mzee Nabwera introduced me to politics at a young age and also played a fatherly role in my family when we lost our dad,” he said.

Other leaders who attended the service included Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga as well as Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Mulele Ingonga.

Mr. Nabwera, who died on October 8, 2026, aged 99, is remembered for his contribution to Kenya’s diplomatic and political history.

He served as Kenya’s first ambassador to the United States and the country’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations before joining Parliament.

He was elected MP for the then Lurambi North constituency in 1988. The constituency covered areas that were later split into Navakholo, Lurambi, Malava, Lugari and Likuyani constituencies.

He leaves behind five children: Joseph, Julie, Jimmy, Lilian and Hellen.

His body will be laid to rest on October 24, 2026, at his home in Kiminini Constituency, Trans Nzoia County.