President Uhuru Kenyatta has told the opposition that even if they demonstrate for a whole year, he will not condone or take part in any illegal action against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The President said the violent demonstrations staged by a section of the opposition was misplaced because the law to be followed for any changes in the country’s electoral body is clear.
He said the opposition should not expect him to get involved in any action against the IEBC which does not conform with the procedures laid out in the Constitution.
“You can demonstrate as long as you want but I will not break the law like you. The Constitution is clear and if I push them out they will take me to court and they will be reinstated,” he said.
President Kenyatta said he does not have any problem if the proper procedure is followed to make changes at the IEBC.
He also made it clear that he does not fear change at the electoral commission because it is the Kenyan voter who will decide who becomes President.
“IEBC does not give votes. We will go back to the people and ask for their votes” the President said.
President Kenyatta, who spoke when he toured Kisii County to launch development projects, said Kenya’s democracy should be allowed to mature.
The President, who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto, cautioned the opposition against actions that can lead to the destruction of property and loss of life.
“Let us be leaders who preach peace and humility. We seek leadership for the sake of serving the people and not for self benefits,” he said.
President Kenyatta called on the people of Kisii to be wary of the opposition’s calls for violent demonstrations because it is the same kind of calls that led to the 2007/8 post election violence.
“I do not have a problem if you disagree with me but you should know that you are not helping the country when you use other people’s children to cause chaos,” he said.
The President said the politics of demonstrations and violence belong to the past.
“As the President I do not want this country to go back to the type of politics we had in 2007. The politics we want is that of development and development will not come through demonstrations,” said the President.
Deputy President William Ruto said the Jubilee government was fulfilling the promises it made to the people.
He called on the residents of Kisii County to reject those who are preaching hatred and promoting divisive politics.
The Deputy President said the Constitution will guide Kenyans on the fate of public institutions.
“Where in the Constitution does it say that demonstrations can be used to remove any public official even if it is a chief from office,” said the DP
The President and the DP spoke when they addressed ‘residents of Kisii town and several other towns in the county where the President launched development projects.
In Kisii town, the President commissioned upgraded the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, which was equipped with ultramodern equipment at a cost of Sh810 million.
At Kenyenya, the President launched the construction a Sh1.9 billion road that connect Mogonga – Kenyenya – RIokindo – Magenche- Mariba – Nyaganncha – Eberege – Daraja to Magena.
The President also launched the construction of Marani Road at a cost of Sh2 billion.
President Kenyatta also visited the Kenyenye TTC to review the progress of construction.
The President and the DP were joined by local leaders led by the Governor of Kisii James Ongwae and other elected leaders.