Stop issuing threats, Uhuru warns Cord leaders

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the government is not shaken by Opposition calls for mass action and that he is firmly in charge.

He warned Opposition leaders to stop issuing threats and ultimatums over what he called baseless demands. (READ: Cord unveils 13-point agenda for change)

The President, however, said he was open to dialogue with any leader who has ideas to transform the country.

“As I have said before, you are welcome to come and see me over a cup of tea if you have anything you want to discuss, but you cannot keep issuing threats,’' he said in reference to calls for mass action by leaders allied to the Coalition for Reform and Democracy (Cord).

SECURITY AT RALLIES

He accused the Opposition of derailing government efforts to implement development programmes, saying they were undermining service delivery to Kenyans.

“They are making us deploy over 10,000 policemen to provide security at their rallies when we have security problems in other parts of the country that need attention," he said.

He was speaking when he visited Kipchabo Tea Factory in Nandi County on Friday.

At the same time, the President asked Jubilee leaders to support development.

“You are bound to the Jubilee manifesto and obligated to support the government in implementing it,” the President said.

Deputy President William Ruto, who toured the factory with the President, urged leaders to focus on issues that can uplift the people’s living standards and avoid engaging in activities that hinder the development process in the country.

“Elected leaders have no time for empty rhetoric. They have to unite the country. This country cannot be developed through sideshows and politics of hatred or demonstrations,” he added.

GOVERNED BY LAWS

The Deputy President emphasised that the government would not be distracted and would ensure that it implements what was promised to Kenyans during the last General Election.

He noted that thousands of families in Mau and Embobut forests were resettled and another 300 squatters in Nandi County would be resettled this financial year.

National Assembly Majority Leader Adan Duale said the Opposition should follow the Constitution in addressing the challenges facing the country.

“If we want some issues solved by the President, we should know that this country is governed by laws which need to be followed.

“If there are issues to be solved at the IEBC and (the) devolved system of government, then they can be solved through (the) framework of (the) Constitution and nothing short of that,” said Mr Duale.

Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki said the time for mass action, demonstrations and rallies was over and it was time to focus on development.