President Uhuru Kenyatta, centre, chats with Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki (right) and deputy president William Ruto during the 100 years celebration of Chuka town at Chuka University on December 6, 2013. Photo/ JOSEPH KANYI
President Uhuru Kenyatta has put politicians in parts of Rift Valley and north eastern regions on the spot over the spate of violence that has rocked the areas in the recent past.
He said Friday evening that he had recently engaged in dialogue with some of the leaders from the region but despite that, some of them had continued to incite their supporters to attack their neighbours.
“We have tried as a government to talk to them. Let’s be clear on this, enough is enough. We have talked enough and it’s now time to act. We cannot allow people to continue killing each other. Be prepared to face the consequences even if you are in Jubilee coalition,” he said.
He continued: “Politicians irrespective of their political leaning cannot incite their followers to raid cows and kill in the name of seeking popularity. Let them be prepared to face the consequences of their action.
“If you think the only way to be popular is whip tribal and clan emotions then you will enjoy that popularity behind bars. We will use all force within our disposal to ensure stability in the country,” President Kenyatta said.
He said the leaders’ job was to unite people for prosperity not to practise retrogressive culture.
“Some leaders continue to argue that cattle rustling and attacking neighbours is cultural. All communities in Kenya have their cultures and most of them have shed of the retrogressive ones”, said the President.
President Kenyatta lauded the National Assembly for passing a motion to allow the deployment of the military in parts of the country that were facing insecurity.
“The parliament has given us a free hand to reign in on anybody with maximum force should they try to destabilise the country,” said the President.
The President spoke at the Chuka University grounds when he joined the residents in celebrating 100 years of the town. He was accompanied by his deputy William Ruto among other leaders
Mr Ruto said leaders should cultivate a peaceful environment that allows for investment instead of antagonising communities.
During the function, Tharaka Nithi governor Samuel Ragwa and Mburi Muiru (Tharaka) and Women Representative Beatrice Nkatha skipped the event, to the chagrin of the President who accused them of trying to sabotage development plans.
“The era of politicking is gone, its time for development. The electorate will judge you harshly if you sit on the fence while others are participating in development projects,” he said.
“It is important to set aside our differences for the best of this country," he added
Leader of Majority in the Senate Prof Kithure Kindiki said the Constitution had created many centres of power and some leaders were using them to bolster their egos instead of serving the electorate.
Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko challenged parliamentarians to make true their threat to abolish the Senate, arguing that they would face the wrath of the electorate.
“The Senate was created by the Constitution and if they think they are bold enough let them try and rally the electorate to abolish the Senate,” said Mr Sonko.
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