President Uhuru Kenyatta has hit out at politicians who are campaigning on the anti dynasties slogan, saying votes belong to Kenyans and not specific families as alluded to. “The other day some people were saying that Kenyans are tired of being governed by a few families, I want to tell them votes belong to Kenyans. There is no handing over of seats, already prepared for some,” he stated.
The President, speaking at the funeral of Mama Hannah Atsianzale Mudavadi, said if that’s the thinking and position of leaders, then the idea that Kenya shouldn’t only be ruled by two tribes should be supported. He said maybe it’s time another tribe rules the country, amidst cheers from those who were present, “Tribes in Kenya are many and we want a strong united Kenya of 48 million people.”
He said those who are coming out to cause confusion in the ruling party wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for his votes. On the divisions that have rocked Jubilee, he said he is in total charge and control of the party and that the fact that he has remained quite in the face of trouble doesn’t mean he should be underestimated. “Don’t see a lion that has been rained on and think it’s a cat, everything has its own time, we believe in democracy….I am in charge of this government and in control of what we are doing. I know where I am and very clear about where I’m going.”
He noted that some people have taken advantage and criticized the handshake but no one will block his path and focus to bring Kenyans together, “Because that is the most important thing.”
On his part, ODM leader Raila Odinga maintained that the handshake is there to unite Kenyans adding that the Country was divided.
He accused those against the handshake of not being realistic noting that the Head of the state is determined to unite the Country. “We want to do away with kingpins purporting to represent certain communities, we need a united Country” He reiterated.
Francis Atwoli echoed sentiments of other leaders led by the Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio that Mudavadi is one of the leaders touted to lead and unite the country that has been polarized.
He accused Deputy President William Ruto for stating that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) has derailed the development agenda in the country. Atwoli also called upon the head of state to crack the whip on divisive members in the Jubilee Party.