President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned politicians in the areas affected by violence and clashes in the country against inciting residents, citing areas in the North Rift and Laikipia. He said this while addressing MPs and Senators during the State of the Nation address in Parliament, “My administration will not condone the blatant violation of rights guaranteed in the constitution,” he said, adding that they will use all means to pursue and bring to justice all those involved in causing mayhem. This comes after protracted clashes in certain regions in the country, including North Rift, Laikipia and Baringo.
He stressed the importance of upholding security in the country, saying that the government has set up a multiagency approach to keeping security, investing in security working tools and increasing the number of police officers since he took over the top seat.
He said the war on drugs is ongoing and that the streamlining of entry points and ports has come in handy when it comes to tackling drug cartels. he said the government will cooperate with foreign law agencies to ensure the drug cartels are brought to book.
President Kenyatta said significant progress has been made in the fight against terrorism since troops were sent to Somalia to tackle Al Shabaab, “In collaboration with regional and international allies we have robbed the enemy of territory and resources,” he said, “If we fight the enemy in Somalia, we won’t have to fight them here.”
President Uhuru Kenyatta highlighted the achievements of stable devolution that have been achieved so far by the government. He pointed out devolution as the significant pillar of transformation under his administration. “One of my proudest achievement has been to chaperone the development of a devolved system of government,” said President Kenyatta. He said County governance has been made easier and development projects have been a key aspect, “My administration has accelerated the transfer of function and personnel to County governments,” he said, ” Our support for devolution has driven us to seek out and implement in partnership with County governments projects that have a real and positive impact on County residents.”
The president said they intend to come up with a stronger framework for intergovernmental cooperation to resolve any challenges. He cited examples of the massive development undertaken due to development projects under the umbrella of devolution, including the setting up of street lights in Counties, something which has injected economic vibrancy in various towns. “Together we are champions of devolution, we believe in it,” said President Kenyatta.