Governors, MCA chest-thumping over Jubilee projects, says Uhuru

President Uhuru Kenyatta holds a baby on March 17, 2016 during his tour of Nakuru County. Mr Kenyatta warned governors and MCAs to stop taking credit for Jubilee projects. PHOTO | PSCU

What you need to know:

  • Uhuru told to stop chest-thumping over projects they have no input in.

  • Governor Kinuthia Mbugua was humiliated after the crowds heckled him during the second stop-over.
  • Mr Ruto said they want to use the new party to unite Kenyans.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto have accused some governors and MCAs of taking credit for projects initiated and funded by the national government.

The two who spoke after hosting over 500 county leaders at State House Nakuru on Thursday told the leaders to stop chest-thumping over projects they have no input in.

The leaders who spoke as they completed their two-day tour of the county during which they promised locals many goodies, also said there is no turning back on plans to dissolve all Jubilee parties ahead of the 2017 elections and urged the affiliate parties to tow the line.

“Some governors and MCAs are  going round claiming they have pushed for and even funded some of these projects when they know very well that it is the work of the national government. They should be bold enough to tell citizens the truth,” President Kenyatta said.

“When I listen to the radio and hear some of the MCAs being interviewed, I wonder why they are chest-thumping everywhere without giving the Jubilee government a credit,” he said.

He added: “I have no quarrel with  MCAs because they are good leaders but when it comes to taking credit on these projects, they should tell the public the naked truth, that this money is coming as a result of the Jubilee administration,” he added.

The president said he will not waste time responding to criticism by the Opposition adding: “They have nothing to offer and spend all their time criticising the government even when we are initiating projects that are benefiting the citizens.”

“This country will not develop if leaders  specialize in divisive and tribal politics,” said Mr Kenyatta.

After the State House meeting, the two headed to Nakuru Level Five Hospital  where they launched a medical equipment. They later made two stop-overs in Nakuru Town where they addressed the crowds.

GOVERNOR HECKLED

Governor Kinuthia Mbugua was humiliated after the crowds heckled him during the second stop-over forcing him to cut short his speech.

During the first stop-over, the President only allowed Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria and his Nakuru Town West counterpart Samuel Arama to address the people.

Mr Arama, the only Cord MP in Nakuru declared his support for the new party and in return, the President promised to fund construction of roads in his constituency.

In Nakuru Town, Mr Ruto said they want to use the new party to unite Kenyans adding that the government is working round the clock to fulfil its promises to the people.

President  Kenyatta welcomed Opposition leaders who are willing to work with the Jubilee government.

“Jubilee is open to Cord MPs who want to work with us and Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama is working with Jubilee and we shall continue supporting him because at the end of the day, the winners are the citizens,” he said.

“Leaders need to preach unity irrespective of party affiliations and that is why I urge our colleagues in the opposition to tone down their attacks on the government,” said the President.