Kibaki rebukes MRC, praises KDF

President Kibaki took a hardline stance against the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) in his Mashujaa day speech, saying government will take a "firm and decisive action" against secessionist groups.

He asserted that Kenya is a "unitary state" and rubbished MRC's claim to the coastal strip as a distortion of history.

"As a Government we will take firm and decisive action in dealing with those who have issued threats of secession or those who threaten our security. Kenya is one unitary state. The Constitution is clear on that and so is our history. Let us learn from that history and not seek to distort it and let us respect our Constitution," said Mr Kibaki is his official speech.

"We want those seeking to cause turmoil should come out, we don't fear anybody. We will follow them and find them. We are ready," he added in off-the-cuff remarks.

MRC repeatedly cites a treaty between the British colonial government and Sultan Seyyid Hamed bin Thwain, Sultan of Zanzibar, as proof of the autonomy of the coastal strip.

It also pegs its secessionist drive on what it terms historical injustices that revolve around land and unfair distribution of national resources. (READ: The radical world of the MRC)

President Kibaki paid tribute to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their recent capture of Kismayu in the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab.

"I would like to commend members of the Kenya Defence Forces for their professionalism, bravery and sacrifice as they executed Kenya’s hunt for Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia. These patriots have brought great pride to our country and region."

He said Kenya's forces will remain in Somalia "as long as necessary" until the country regains normalcy.

"Kenya’s only interest in Somalia is to bring peace, stability and eventual prosperity to our neighbours. We would like to see our 700,000 Somali brothers and sisters who live in refugee camps safely return to their motherland. Our forces will remain in Somalia for only as long as is necessary, as we work towards restoring normalcy under the umbrella of AMISOM," he said.

"Let it be known to those who seek to harm us that we will not relent in the work we have begun. We shall get the job done, until we have order and security," President Kibaki added.

The President urged those gunning for electoral seats in the coming general elections to conduct peaceful campaigns.

"I appeal to all political leaders and their supporters to engage in peaceful campaigns. Let us all remember that Kenya’s collective destiny is far more important than the interest of any individual person or group," he said.