President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned politicians against misusing democracy to break the law.
“I respect democracy but I also took an oath to defend the Constitution and unlawful destruction of property as happened yesterday will not be allowed,” President Kenyatta said.
He urged leaders to exercise mature politics and avoid things that will disrupt peace and destruction of property.
“You can enjoy your freedom, exercise your democratic rights to hold meetings but do not break the law. We will not allow Kenya to go that route again,” the President said.
The Head of State said leaders should focus on serving and improving the welfare of Kenyans instead of engaging in endless sideshows that are not of any benefit to the country.
“All Kenyans, irrespective of ethnic, political or religious background, expect their leaders to engage in development that will boost their lives. This is what we should devote our energies on,” he said.
He said the Jubilee government had prioritised the development needs of all parts of the country without discrimination.
The President asked several Cabinet Secretaries present at the meeting to brief the Ukambani leaders on the progress of development projects in the Lower Eastern region.
The Cabinet Secretaries discussed billions worth of projects that their ministries were implementing from water, electricity and roads to health, land and ICT.
Deputy President Ruto lauded the meeting, saying the journey to unite all Kenyans that he and President Kenyatta had embarked on in 2013 has moved a notch higher.
“This means that after elections, it is possible for Kenyans to unite – irrespective of party affiliation – and work together to develop the country. I believe this is a new chapter of bringing all Kenyans together,” the DP said.
Ukambani leaders led by Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua expressed their resolve to work with the Jubilee administration for the sake of development.
“Time for empty talk is over. Some leaders were currently in opposition were in high positions of government and they failed to deliver. People in Ukambani are not interested in empty rhetoric but better livelihoods,” said the governor.
Dr Mutua thanked the government for the various development programmes in the area despite the region voting overwhelmingly for the opposition in 2013.
The leaders, including 11 MPs, national chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake organization Rahab-Muiu and all the MCAs from the three counties of Kitui, Machakos and Makueni, said the community had resolved to forge partnerships with the Government in all aspects of development.
“Ukambani region is ready to be in Government. We are tired of being in opposition and we will support Jubilee in 2017. We are ready to do everything for the benefit of our people,” said Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao.
Cabinet Secretaries Joe Mucheru, Charles Keter, Jacob Kaimenyi, Eugene Wamalwa, James Macharia and Cleopa Mailu enumerated the various development projects undertaken by their various ministries in Ukambani region.