President Kenyatta warns opposition against perpetrating chaos

President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned the National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders against what he says is causing chaos in form of staging countrywide protests in their quest to institute electoral reforms ahead of the repeat presidential election slated for October 26.

In a statement sent to newsrooms in October 1, President Kenyatta said he bears the constitutional responsibility of protecting Kenyans and their property saying that the opposition leaders’ constant calls for mass action have raised the political temperatures in the country.

“It is the President who bears the constitutional responsibility of keeping this country safe and will not let our democracy be weakened by those who prefer threats and violence to the hard work of persuasion,” read the statement.

The president also castigated the opposition for what he termed as ‘intimidating’ independent institutions.

“Sections of the opposition political class are acting as though they, not our independent institutions make and interpret the rules. The rest of us have to conform our actions to the rules. That’s why we’re seeing blatant attempts to force independent bodies to change their advice and their operations by intimidation, crude threats, and actual violence. As government, we won’t put up with systematic attempts to coerce institutions; and we certainly won’t put up with those who regard the lives and livelihoods of innocent Kenyans as nothing more than collateral damage,” said President Kenyatta.

Economy affected

Uhuru  criticized the opposition for plunging the country into a state of ‘uncertainty’ saying most businesses have been affected by the prolonged political period.

“The uncertainty affects every sector: from your Mama Mboga to the most extensive retail chains in Kenya; from banks slowing down business lending, in the face of the uncertainty caused by the agitation, to the stock market, which has seen some serious volatility. Indeed, the uncertainty has even caused delay in substantial, growth-building foreign investment,” added the Head of State.

The President also mourned the late Principal Secretary for Public Works, Mariaam El Maawy, describing her as ‘a gem’ in the Jubilee administration.