Uhuru to Raila: Cool down, I’m still the President, let perennial noisemakers continue with ‘“the business they like most.”

Nyeri, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated that his Government is intact, and warned those ‘making noise’ that he will not be shaken.

He said despite criticism by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), the Jubilee government has performed well  in the past year.

He said those criticising the Government were known perennial noisemakers, but who are free to continue with ‘“the business they like most.”

Speaking at Ndunyu market while on his way to Mahiga Girls High School in Othaya, Nyeri County, Uhuru said the Government was stable and working towards ensuring that there was development and prosperity. “Serikali iko ngangari. Wachaneni na hao wanapiga makelele,” (The Government is stable. Let those making noise continue, but we won’t be deterred),” he said.

He said despite his silence on the issues being raised by CORD, he was not shaken. “Do not panic, the Government is intact and stable. Despite our silence, we are sure that we will triumph. I only ask you to focus on development and shun what they say,” he said.

Uhuru was on a tour of Othaya Constituency in Nyeri County, which was represented by retired President Kibaki.

He toured Mathenge Institute of  Technology and Mahiga Girls Secondary School before attending the prize giving day ceremony at Othaya Boys  School. That was his maiden tour of the constituency after taking over from Kibaki.

Uhuru was accompanied by more than 30 elected leaders, among them Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, area MP Mary Wambui and County MP Priscillah Nyokabi. Others with him were Senators Kipchumba Murkomen, Beatrice Elachi and Beth Mugo. Members of the National Assembly Kanini Kega (Kieni), Johnstone Sakaja (Nominated), Peter Weru (Mathira), Ndung’u Gethenji (Tetu), Esther Murugi (Nyeri), Kabando wa Kabando and deputy Leader of Majority Naomi Shaban were also present.

Mr Sakaja, who is also the TNA chairman, and  the Narok North MP, Joel Kenta, called on the Director of Public Prosecution and the police to arrest CORD leader Raila Odinga for assuming the roles of the President. Sakaja said Raila’s comment that July 7, popularly known as Saba Saba, would be a public holiday was tantamount to treason, adding that he was attempting to usurp powers bestowed on the President by the Constitution. “He (Raila) does not hold any rank or position, while the Constitution stipulates that it is only the President who can declare a day a public holiday,” said Sakaja.

Murkomen and Kabando accused Raila of taking Kenyans 20 years behind, and said they voted for the Constitution because they did not want to go back to the streets. “We want to settle to work instead of engaging in street demonstrations,” he said.

At Mahiga Girls, Uhuru said his government would ensure all students complete Form Four education, adding that the Government would be footing their examination fees.

He called for reduction of taxes charged on tea farmers to encourage them and reap maximum benefits from their produce.