President Uhuru Kenyatta. [Photo/Nation]
President Uhuru Kenyatta has told opposition presidential candidate Raila Odinga to stop destroying the country’s economy for his selfish interest.
The President called on the opposition leader to stop putting his personal interest before the interests of 45 million Kenyans.
The President, who spoke in reaction to the destruction in Kisumu on Friday of private property, including a supermarket, and water supply system of the lakeside town, said Raila should take responsibility for the damage being caused to the economy through his actions.
“You can go on with your demonstrations but do not destroy the property of Kenyans. Today a supermarket was destroyed in Kisumu. What wrong did the owner of the supermarket commit? The water supply in Kisumu was also destroyed. Is that the development that the Kenyan people want?,” said the President.
Speaking in Meru town, where he wrapped up his tour of the populous county today, President Kenyatta said Raila should be mindful of the interest of the Kenyan people and should engage in politics that does not jeopardise the nation’s wellbeing.
“I am telling Raila not to jeopardise the economy because that is what brings the taxes that fund services for Kenyans. Do not let your interest defeat the interest of 45 million Kenyans,” said the President.
The President said the opposition leader was encouraging activities that are hurting the economy of the country because he is not ready for election and hopes to force the creation of a coalition government where he can be accommodated.
“Do not hope for a nusu mkate (coalition administration). Our constitution says that if you want to form government to lead Kenyans you must get the approval of voters through an election,” said the President.
He said the opposition was bringing up endless demands before the October 26 fresh presidential election because they know Kenyans will reject them as they did in the August 8 poll that was nullified.
The President also said he appreciated his growing support base with the numerous defections from the opposition ranks to Jubilee.
During the tour, a popular businessman who has been the face of the opposition in Meru announced that he has resolved to support President Kenyatta.
Mike Mutembei popularly known as Makarina said “he has closed the only shop Nasa had in Meru” and President Kenyatta should expect to get 100 percent of the votes from the county.