The allocation of trillions of Shillings to counties for grassroots development is one of the biggest reasons why Kenyans should be serious about exercising their voting rights, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
The President said the allocations of billions of Shillings to each of the 47 counties by the National Government is supposed to spur economic growth but this would not happen if the right leaders— minded about the daily welfare of citizens — are not elected.
President Kenyatta said this as he urged Kenyans to register in large numbers and ensure they choose the right leaders right from Member of County Assembly to the President.
The President spoke when he made a whistle-stop tour of more than a dozen towns in Meru County as part of his campaign to sensitise Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to register as voters.
He said Kenyans who fail to exercise their democratic right to vote should blame themselves when bad leaders mismanage their resources.
“With devolution, there is a lot of money at the grassroots. If you do not vote and a thief is elected to manage your resources he will keep stealing and you will blame yourself,” said the President when he addressed hundreds of residents of Maua Town.
“This election is about decisions that affect you, the citizens, on a day-to-day basis.If you do not vote, you may be taking a decision that undermines how you are governed,” he added.
The county positions especially those of MCA and Governor touch on the life of Kenyans and Kenyans should ensure they vote for leaders who are committed to the welfare of the people.
“If the MCA who is elected becomes a person who is a thief you will keep on blaming yourself for the next five years,” said the President when he addressed residents of Mikinduri.
He urged the residents of Meru to register in large numbers to ensure the Government of their choice wins with a landslide.
The President also called on the youth to reject incitement because politicians have always misused them.
At Mikinduri, Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, said all the people of the region will vote for President Kenyatta and Jubilee candidates for other elective positions.
“No other President has ever stepped inside Mikinduri Stadium except Uhuru and the people of Tigania appreciate what you have done for them,” said Mr Aburi.
-PSCU