President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday told off those opposing the Building Bridges Initiative and traversing the country telling Kenyans what they will do if elected in 2022.
In an attack directed at DP William Ruto and his Tangatanga brigade, the President questioned what they will do that they cannot do now, yet they are in government. He spoke at Giagatika shopping centre in Mathira, Nyeri county, where he stopped to address residents.
"Why promise people that you will do this or that tomorrow? Why can't you do that now once and for all? Why are you giving future pledges instead of doing it now when we have peace and unity in the country?" he posed.
He said leaders should work together and have a good constitution for the country before embarking on politics, saying at the end of the day Kenyans are the ones who will choose their leaders.
The head of state said the BBI agenda is to ensure unity of the country, which he said belongs to all citizens. He told residents not to put their trust in an individual but in the Constitution, and called on Kenyans to speak in one voice to ensure the country has a good document that will ensure resources are distributed fairly.
"If it's about parliamentary among other political seats, they should be distributed depending on the population. That is what we call justice and it is what we are looking for because lack of it is what brings chaos in the country during every election year," he said.
He also said there is a need to address the problem of unemployment among the youth and that this cannot be achieved if the economy is brought to a standstill by postelection chaos every election year. The economy should continue doing well whether it is during elections or not, he said.
Uhuru told residents to read the BBI report and understand it well, disabusing them of the notion that it is meant to benefit an individual. It is for the welfare of the common Kenyan, he said.
Earlier in the day, the President attended a church service at PECA Tumutumu in Mathira, Nyeri, during the unveiling of centennial monuments. The ceremony was meant to commemorate 100 years since the first group of African church elders was ordained. Church moderator Julius Mwamba presided the event.
Applauding the good working relationship between PCEA and the government, the President pledged that his administration will provide Sh100 million to equip the Tumutumu Mission Hospital owned by the church so it can serve residents better.
He said the church has played a big role in spreading the gospel and promoting education and health.
“So they (church) treated the soul, mind and the body and I think within that spirit, that is what we call the true partnership and I am here, now as President, to redefine once again that partnership between the state and the church,” Uhuru said.
He said the government will continue partnering with the church in serving the people. The head of state also pledged to have the Presbyterian University of East Africa Issued with a charter before the end of November.
He said he will convene a meeting in a statehouse for the award of the charter to the church.
Others present included Governor Mutahi Kahiga and his deputy Caroline Karugu, Woman representative Rahab Mukami, MPs James Gichuhi (Tetu), Anthony Kiai (Mukurwe-ini), Ephraim Maina (Senator), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri Town) and Kanini Kega (Kieni).
