"The Government has put in place the necessary institutions and measures to regulate free, fair and credible elections. Any hindrance and obstacles of whatever nature will be dealt with decisively and promptly," Kibaki told parliament.
The State will increase the number of security officers and conduct civic and voter education on the new Constitution and the electoral system to ensure that the electorate is enlightened ahead of the polls.
Speaking before a majority of presidential aspirants, Kibaki said political leaders must be patriotic and have the interests of the country override their own interests. He spoke as Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Prime Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, Mr Ruto and Mutava Musyimi, who have declared interest in Kibakiâs job, watched.
"As the elections draw closer, leaders must display patriotism and statesmanship. Political competition must be guided by the fact that the interests of our nation are more important than any individual or party interests," said Kibaki, emphasizing on observation of the rule of law during and after elections.
Mudavadi earlier strolled into the Chamber amid a thunderous applause and greeted Regional Development Minister Fred Gumo, who was seated on the front bench, before the entry of the President, the PM and the Vice President.
Raila later shook hands with Mudavadi and exchanged a few words with him. He was sandwiched between Mudavadi and the VP all through the session. The two have fallen out over their political ideals, and Mudavadi is only a paper member of ODM.
Ethnic-based politics, which has long been Kenyaâs brand of politics, Kibaki said, has no place in modern Kenya, especially under the new Constitution. He urged political parties to shun the ethnic tag and embrace national outlooks backed by ideologies as their selling points.
"Our democracy has now come of age and we should discourage regional based parties. We need parties that are ideologically driven and have a national character," said Kibaki.
The new Charter he said heralds Devolution as the crux of the new order and called on Kenyans to elect competent leaders who will champion growth and development at the devolved units.
"I urge voters to elect competent leaders who will transform Counties to be economic enclaves that deliver public services professionally, create wealth and employment, improve and spread incomes across their populations as well as improve the quality of life," he said.
Kibaki said the move to activate the devolved units has begun, and that the process of deploying resources, staff and equipment to the counties should be completed by August.
The staff postings, he said, should reflect the diversity of the country.
