Stop divisive politics, Uhuru tells leaders

President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked leaders to shun divisive politics and work together regardless of their political affiliations for the benefit of all Kenyans.

Speaking at Changamwe on Saturday when he launched construction of Port Reitz and Moi International Airport roads, the President lamented that petty politics had taken centre stage in the country, with leaders neglecting the development agenda.

“I must say that we should now have done a lot as Kenyans but we have decided – and we have to say the truth – that development is not to keep opposing fellow leaders. We have forgotten that politics does not build but action is what will help us uplift the living standards of the common man,” he said.

“This is the reason I insist that as leaders we should respect each other and remember that we have been elected not to politic on things that serve our own interest but we are called upon to work together and serve Kenyans,” President Kenyatta added.

He said when Jubilee came to power, they promised to solve the thorny issue of land problem in the coastal region, which he said his government was committed to.

“We will be at Likoni (Waitiki farm) to ensure that we solve the land problem there and I reiterate that is not the only area we are going to address issues to do with land. We are going to work together and ensure that this problem is solved once and for all,” he said.

The President assured those who have built structures on road reserves that they will be compensated as he asked the contractor to offer job opportunities to the youth in the area.

The president was accompanied by Mombasa governor Hassan Joho, Cabinet Secretaries James Macharia (Transport and Infrastructure), Najib Balala (Tourism), Dan Kazungu (Mining), Henry Rotich (Treasury) and Rachael Omamo (Defense).

Mr Joho said the county government would collaborate with the national government to ensure that development projects are delivered as per the plan.

“Mine is to re-affirm our commitment as the county government that we will do all that we will be required to do so that we expedite these process of the sake of our people,” said Mr Joho.

He noted that compensation of land owners was too high, and appealed to them to consider giving a “discount” because if a road was constructed it would also benefit them as Kenya citizens.