 Deputy President William Ruto, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru (second right), National Youth Service Director Nelson Githinji (in uniform) with youth leaders during the National Youth Convention at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani. More than 6,000 youth from the 290 constituencies across the country attended. [PHOTO:STANDARD] |
And yesterday, Uhuru told The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) to take matters relating to the IEBC to Parliament, which has the constitutional mandate to deal with such matters.
He repeated that he would not be drawn into talks over the disbandment of the electoral body, but welcomes talks on other important national issues.
As he spoke, Deputy President William Ruto was in Kisii in Raila’s Nyanza stronghold ahead of the president’s visit today. Uhuru is expected to attend the burial of Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno’s daughter Ephline Otieno, before heading to Kisii and Nyamira. He is expected to launch the construction of Kijauri-Manga-Raitigo Road.
Speaking at a fundraiser for Riokindo Boys High School in Kisii, the DP accused CORD of attempting to divide the nation along tribal and religious lines.
Derail development
He claimed that the latest calls for national dialogue were a tactic by the opposition to derail the Jubilee administration’s development agenda.
The visit by the two leaders has elicited strong sentiments from Nyanza leaders, saying it is a diversionary tactic to shift focus away from the discontent in the governing coalition. Ruto also visited Tendere Secondary School and later Nyansabakwa High School in Nyamira County.“They are telling us to stop development and hold public rallies to talk and dialogue about mass action. That would not happen. It is this kind of politics that caused the 2007 post-election crisis,” declared Ruto.
The Standard on Saturday was told that Raila would not attend the burial, which would have brought him face to face with Uhuru for the first time, a week since he came back from sabbatical leave in the US.
No reason was given, but the former PM’s longtime aide Silas Jakakimba, said his boss will next weekend be in the same region for the burial of former MP and music promoter Phares Oluoch Kanindo.
“As far as I know, Raila has confirmed to attend Kanido’s funeral next week in Migori County. His diary indicates he may not be in Migori tomorrow (today). This is subject to change any time, though,” Jakakimba said.
Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo said the two should address the issues raised : “There are bigger problems the two are unable to handle and their tour of Migori is intended to hoodwink the public that the president and his deputy are reaching out to other communities. After Jubilee meeting with the president, there people within the two parties who feel the alliance was a mistake.”
The President said although he welcomes dialogue with the opposition leaders, he would not be dragged into matters that could be resolved through constitutional means.
“It is not that I am refusing dialogue, but we can only talk on constructive matters that will take this country forward. There is no need to create tension for no reason, or take to the streets. We can only talk about productivity and out individual roles in improving our nation,” he said.
The President made the remarks while addressing members of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, at State House Nairobi.
He assured the business community that the government would work to create an enabling political climate for their businesses.
“We need to create an environment where elections can be held without causing unnecessary tension and panic.
Uhuru said brokers had taken to interfering with efforts to award tenders on contracts that were beneficial to the citizens. He claimed that brokers on hire were on the loose and had taken to
Gained prominence
“Let us stop making all the noise about tenders due to brokerage. We cannot move forward in an environment of noise,” he said.
Although he did not directly refer to the Safaricom tender, the President appeared to endorse the award when he turned to Safaricom CEO and remarked: “This man has never brought me any briefcase.”
Bomachoge Borabu MPs Joel Onyancha, Kisii Governor James Ongwae and his Deputy hosted Ruto during the fundraiser that was also attended by Constitution Implementation Commission (CIC) chairman Charles Nyachae. More than 20 legislators from across the political divide attended the function.The issue of national dialogue has gained prominence since the return of Odinga from the United States last week. During a rally he addressed at Uhuru Park, Odinga said the coalition was willing to meet the President to discuss various matters ailing the country.
Ruto asked CORD to wait until 2017 for the next elections. However, a number of MPs from Nyanza region said it was fruitless for the Jubilee leaders to woo voters.
“Nyanza voters are strong-willed and know where their bread is buttered. They cannot be swayed. But we welcome the President to initiate meaningful development projects in the region,” said Karachuonyo MP James Rege.
Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo said the two should address the issues raised : “There are bigger problems the two are unable to handle.”
Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura said the President must treat all regions equally. Uhuru has been accused of favouring regions that voted for Jubilee, especially Rift Valley and Central in public appointments.
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