Uhuru: Mt Kenya should back me in supporting BBI

 

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday rallied his Mt Kenya backyard to support him in endorsing the changes envisioned by the BBI.

In an interview with Kikuyu radio stations, the President said BBI will usher in "transformative growth" for all communities,  including Central, and urged Mt Kenya not to let anyone "lie and divide" them.

“We will accommodate every tribe. It is more of empowering youths across the country, not only in Mount Kenya region, "President Kenyatta said.

He said BBI will, among other measures, unite the country, empower the population, especially the youth, and ensure equitable distribution and sharing of resources.

Central is one of the biggest beneficiaries of BBI with Kiambu county alone to get six additional constituencies.

Demonstrating his resolve to see the Constitution amended, the President defended the cost of conducting the plebiscite when the country is battling a global pandemic.

He tore into those criticising him for pushing through the referendum instead of directing the much-needed cash towards fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and rebuilding the economy ravaged by the virus.

“It is reported that Sh2 billion is stolen daily through deals. It is through the Building Bridges Initiative that we will seal all the gaps that cartels use to steal our money,” the President said. 

Going by the cost of the last referendum in 2010, the plebiscite, expected to be conducted later in the year, is expected to cost at least Sh14 billion.

Critics of the drive say Uhuru has his priorities upside down. They want the referendum shelved and the money channelled towards rebuilding the economy.

The head of state cautioned the region against listening to "naysayers" portraying the BBI referendum drive as a Raila Odinga affair or one meant to make him [Raila] President in 2022.

“Some people are being blindfolded that BBI belongs to Raila, but please let us stop politics and check what will benefit the interest of our people. I have severally said that BBI isn’t about Uhuru or Raila, but it's more about Kenyans,” he said.

“Some say that BBI is about me supporting Raila. Where have you heard me say I support Raila or any other person?” he asked, insisting BBI should be delinked from 2022 succession politics.

There has been disquiet in the President’s political base after Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata penned a letter to the head of state, stating the BBI is unpopular in the region and could fail spectacularly. He urged Uhuru to campaign for it.

Deputy President William Ruto’s allies have claimed the handshake and the resulting BBI is a plot by Uhuru to edge Ruto out in favour of Raila in 2022.

But Uhuru downplayed the claims, and instead, asked the people from the region to disregard naysayers and support the drive for their own growth. He said he is pushing BBI in Mount Kenya for "my people to benefit.

“I will use BBI to restore sanity across the country, these people are just politicking but they don’t have facts,” he said.

“I support it, currently, we are awaiting the IEBC to verify signatures, then we hit the ground,” he said. 

The President said the BBI has no association with 2022 State House succession politics and called on politicians critical of the drive to stop misleading Kenyans.

Uhuru, in what appeared to be directed at the DP, assailed critics of his administration, saying they are admonishing his government yet at the same time going around the country saying his administration has implemented development projects while promising ‘empty air'.

“People ask what we are doing as a government. But these people going around are on top of their cars saying how we have delivered electricity, roads and water among other things.”

In an apparent blow to Ruto, he said does not owe anyone a debt – apart from the electorate who voted for him to change their lives for the better.

He asked the people from Mt Kenya region to be patient with him, saying his administration is delivering on its promises and that "good things are coming."

“Don’t believe all that you are being promised by those people,” he said, apparently referring to Ruto who has penetrated the region promising benefits  if elected President in 2022.

Asked about his controversial assertion that it is time for other communities to lead the country, Uhuru said, “What’s wrong with that? Some leaders have been traversing the country abusing me and my family.”

“Let me ask you, if your father is a doctor, what is wrong with a son also becoming a doctor?” he asked. 

The President warned against the politics of class – dynasty versus hustlers – adopted by his deputy, saying the narrative risks dividing Kenyans.

“They are very dangerous for the country, that narrative is dividing Kenyans, recently they burned a vehicle of a man just because he caused an accident, claiming he is a dynasty. Surely, is that fair?” he asked.

Uhuru said he will not order the arrest of those he said are tempting him to do so by attacking him and his family, but reiterated that he will not hesitate to take action if they disturb the peace.

"Rocks are only flung at fruit-bearing trees. They [my political opponents] think if they insult me, I will send police to arrest them. Continue insulting me. I am busy at work,” he said.

Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura and Kandara MP Alice Wahome recently launched a scathing attack on the President and his family.

And for the first time, the head of state divulged instigating former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s impeachment, saying the ex-county boss had failed to work for city residents.

“I helped this young man [Sonko] get that seat. Instead of working, he was up and about, doing nothing. Just look at his replacement; he has opened roads in Industrial Area, among other development projects."

Uhuru further maintained that once he retires from active politics in 2022, he will involve himself in other projects that will economically empower Kenyans.

“I have a lot to do after 2022 General Election. If God gives me strength, I will work in any capacity that will contribute to the country's growth,” he said.

He urged Kenyans not to allow anyone to divide them and shun those leaders who are "giving you money" to spread hatred.