Help us unite Kenya first, Ruto tells Cord

Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed the anti-Jubilee crusade by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord), describing it an as attempt to cause confusion.

The Deputy President, who ended a two-day tour of Narok County on Saturday, said it was imperative for the country to remain united at this time when Kenya was facing multiple challenges including the Al-Shabaab terror threat.

“The Jubilee government condemns in the strongest terms possible the incitement by some leaders for their supporters to participate in mass action. Leaders should strive to bring Kenyans together. Divisive politics has no place in modern Kenya,” said Mr Ruto.

The Deputy President, who led eight Members of Parliament to the region and addressed rallies in Ololulunga, Mogoiyiet, and Naikara secondary school in Narok West, said the tribal clashes in 1992, 1997, and 2007 which threatened to tear the country apart were as a result of reckless utterances by political leaders.

“We will respect and protect their right to say what they want to say, but they must know that while they have their say, we have our way, to ensure we transform the country,” said Mr Ruto.

He asserted that the government was committed to its agenda of transforming the country and will not be distracted by sideshows.

“It is their right to make noise now but come 2017 Kenyans will tell between those committed to nation building and those with empty rhetoric,” he added.

The time for politics of mass action and demonstrations that divide Kenyans along tribal lines was over, the Deputy President said, adding that leaders should spend their energy on nation building.

He cited a number of projects started by the government as a testimony of its pledge to serve Kenyans, saying that the Jubilee administration was confident it will deliver on its scorecard.

“We said that we will construct a standard gauge railway line and the project has started,” he said.

Mr Ruto noted that since Independence, a total of 14,000 kilometres of roads had been built but Jubilee plans to construct 10,000 kilometres in five years.

On electricity, he said 400,000 homesteads had been connected to the national grid in the past year and that the government was planning to reduce the cost of power.

The DP said leaders should stop putting the country on a campaign mode as elections were still far off. He criticised Cord leaders for failing to offer solutions to problems afflicting Kenyans but resorting to name-calling and demonstrations.

“Mass action will never offer solutions to the problems we face as a country. There is need for sobriety among leaders if this country is to make strides in development,” said Mr Ruto.
He urged Kenyans to reject those calling on them to take to the streets.

“We want to ask these fellows to give us a break. We cannot engage in politics year in year out,” said Mr Ruto.

And speaking later in Naivasha after attending the Education Expo, Mr Ruto said there was only one government in power and which was validly elected in the 2013 elections. He urged Cord to play its Opposition role without dividing the country along ethnic lines.

In Narok, Mr Ruto defended the President’s move to delegate executive powers to county commissioners and directed them to ensure all public servants were accountable and efficient in service delivery.
Accompanying him were Governor Samwel Tunai, Deputy Governor Evelyne Aruasa, and Narok Senator Stephen ole Ntutu, among others.

National Assembly Chief Whip Katoo ole Metito challenged Cord leader Raila Odinga to tell Kenyans what he has been doing in America for the last two months. He said calls to disband the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) are not only misplaced and ill-timed but unfortunate.

“Let it be known that if they want IEBC disbanded, let them bring a motion to the National Assembly. It cannot be disbanded at funerals, barazas or even Uhuru Park,” said Mr Metito who accused some leaders of calling for disbandment of electoral bodies every time they lose elections.

Separately, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah claimed certain individuals had been paid to destabilise the country.

“I’m going to meet the Inspector General of Police regarding the issue, as the money is lying in certain individuals’ bank accounts. We want the matter investigated,” he said.

Kieni MP Kanini Kega said the opposition was pushing to grab power “through the backdoor”.

And Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki said Jubilee would not be intimidated or threatened  into engaging in any dialogue with the opposition.