NASA leader Raila Odinga [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
President Uhuru Kenyatta has said he is ready for a repeat election, saying the supreme will of the Kenyan people will once again prevail.
President Kenyatta restated that he will go back to the people and prove that he won fairly during the August 8 election where the will of the people was expressed.
He told opposition leader Raila Odinga to prepare to meet him again at the ballot but should not expect a nusu mkate(coalition government).
“What we want is the supreme will of the people of Kenya to prevail. And as I have said before, the opposition are not interested in the election but a back door route for a nusu mkate (coalition) Government,” President Kenyatta said.
The President spoke on Saturday at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with Jubilee and affiliate parties Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from across the country. The MCAs were also accompanied by governors, senators, women representatives and Members of National Assembly.
President Kenyatta – who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto – called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to declare the new date for the repeat election as directed by the Supreme Court.
The President said any attempt to sack IEBC officers will be rejected, saying the repeat election will determine whether it is the supreme verdict of the court or the supreme will of the people that will carry the day.
He told the opposition to forget the disbandment of the IEBC, and rest assured that the electoral body will conduct the fresh polls ordered by the Supreme Court.
“We are law abiding people and want peace but that should not be misconstrued to mean we are fools or cowards,” President Kenyatta said.
He added: “We are ready for the election in 60 days as directed by the Supreme Court and we will not allow the opposition to intimidate us just because they can shout.”
The President commended Kenyans, especially Jubilee supporters, for remaining calm and upholding peace even though they did not agree with the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified his election.
“I am proud because you have proved that unlike our opponents, you are people who believe in peace and uphold the rule of law,” President Kenyatta said.
Saying Jubilee will remain focused of improving the welfare of Kenyans despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified his re-election, President Kenyatta asked the MCAs both from Jubilee and affiliate parties to avoid wrangles and work together with governors to deliver service to residents.
He pledged to work with the governors and also do whatever he can to ensure smooth operations of MCAs.