Uhuru meets 10,000-strong Ukambani delegation at State House

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the disbandment of the electoral commission must be done within the law, warning politicians against misusing democracy to break the law.

Referring to Monday’s incident where Cord leaders attempted to storm IEBC offices at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi, President Kenyatta said the Constitution is clear on the procedures to be followed to disband the Independent Boundaries and Elections Commission.

Mr Kenyatta said that no individual or group will be allowed to break the law in guise of exercising democratic rights.

“I respect democracy but I also took an oath to defend the Constitution and unlawful destruction of property as happened yesterday (Monday) will not be allowed,” said Mr Kenyatta.

He urged leaders to exercise mature politics and avoid things that will disrupt peace and destruction of property.

“You can enjoy your freedom, exercise your democratic rights to hold meetings but do not break the law. We will not allow Kenya to go that route again,” the President said.

The Head of State was speaking at State House, Nairobi, where he hosted a 10,000-strong delegation of Kamba leaders and professionals to discuss the development of the lower eastern region.

The Kamba leaders assured the President and Deputy President William Ruto of their support, adding that they will not be intimidated by political parties.

Mr Kenyatta said leaders should focus on serving and improving the welfare of Kenyans instead of engaging in endless sideshows.

“All Kenyans, irrespective of ethnic, political or religious background, expect their leaders to engage in development that will boost their lives. This is what we should devote our energies on,” President Kenyatta said.

The Jubilee leader hit out at leaders from the three counties who did not attend the meeting, asserting that it was not a political forum but a development platform to shun politics of enemity.

The President cautioned the Opposition not to condemn leaders who attended the meeting since he serves all Kenyans, whether they elected him or not.

He said the Jubilee government had prioritised the development needs of all parts of the country without discrimination.

The President asked several Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) present at the meeting to brief the Ukambani leaders on the progress of development projects in the lower eastern region.

The CSs discussed with the Ukambani delegation projects that their ministries were implementing in the region from water, electricity and roads to health, land and ICT.

Deputy President Ruto lauded the meeting, saying the journey to unite all Kenyans that he and President Kenyatta had embarked on in 2013 has moved a notch higher.

“This means that after elections, it is possible for Kenyans to unite — irrespective of party affiliation — and work together to develop the country. I believe this is a new chapter of bringing all Kenyans together,” the Deputy President said.

POLITICAL SUPPORT

Ukambani leaders led by Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua expressed their resolve to work with the Jubilee administration for foster development in their region.

“Time for empty talk is over. Some leaders currently in Opposition were in high positions of government and they failed to deliver. People in Ukambani are not interested in empty rhetoric but better livelihoods,” said the Governor Mutua.

Dr Mutua thanked the Government for the various development programmes in the area despite the region voting overwhelmingly for the Opposition in 2013.

Governor Mutua accused Wiper leader Mr Kalonzo Musyoka of wanting to be a leader for the poor as he has been in government and has never brought development to the region.

The leaders who attended the meeting, included 11 MPs, the national chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake Ms Rahab Muiu and all MCAs from the three counties of Kitui, Machakos and Makueni.

“Ukambani region is ready to be in government. We are tired of being in Opposition and we will support Jubilee in 2017. We are ready to do everything for the benefit of our people,” said Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao.

Cabinet Secretaries Joe Mucheru, Charles Keter, Jacob Kaimenyi, Eugene Wamalwa, James Macharia and Cleopa Mailu listed the various development projects undertaken by their various ministries in Ukambani region.