Kibaki warns external aggressors

President Kibaki has issued a strong warning to external aggressors threatening the country’s peace and stability.

He said that the security of Kenyans and "those who reside here is of utmost importance".

The President said those who violate the country’s territory will be dealt with by the relevant agencies.

“I would like to remind any external aggressors who may threaten our stability that we shall defend our sovereignty,” he said when he officially opened a Sh855 million post-modern library at Kenyatta University Friday.

He also commissioned the construction of a teaching, research and referral hospital financed by the Chinese Government to the tune of Sh9 billion.

The President spoke as Kenyan defence forces hunt suspected al Shabaab militiamen who recently kidnapped a French woman in Lamu last Saturday. The abduction came hot on the heels of another similar incident in which gunmen allied killed a British national and abducted his wife in Kiwayu, Coast province.

He said although Kenya believes in peaceful co-existence with her neighbours, the government cannot condone unwarranted provocation.

It is the first time the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the country’s defence forces, has broken his silence following the attacks at the coastal resort town which neighbours Somalia.

He also took the opportunity to appeal to Kenyans to cultivate peace among themselves, without which no meaningful development can be achieved.

He assured institutions of higher learning of government support in ensuring that they achieve their potential of exploiting research opportunities.

Terming the proposed KU library as the largest and most modern in the East African region, the President said it was a milestone in the institution's infrastructural development.

President Kibaki also commended China through the ambassador Liu Guangyuan for funding the university’s hospital saying it would go a long way towards the realisation of Vision 2030 on healthcare for all.

“It will also be the first teaching and referral facility in the region that is fully operated by a university,” he said.

He challenged universities to ensure quality education even as they increase enrolment under the accelerated admissions program.

The Vice-Chancellor Prof Olive Mugenda said Sh150 million was needed to equip the library, which has a sitting capacity of 6,000 users.

President Kibaki was accompanied by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, cabinet ministers Beth Mugo (Public Health and Sanitation), Prof Margaret Kamar (Higher Education) and assistant ministers Asman Kamama and Kambi Kazungu.