By Francis Ngige
President Kibaki has warned politicians inciting residents to cause violence in Tana River County saying they will face the full force of the law.
“We will not spare you regardless of your position,” President Kibaki’s told politicians. He said the violence that has claimed more than 100 lives would not be tolerated and the Government was working to contain it.
“I wish to send a strong warning to politicians who are inciting their communities to cause violence that we will deal with them accordingly,” he said.
The President made the remarks while opening the Nyeri ASK National Show at the Kabiruini Showground on Friday. Kibaki spoke just days after Assistant minister Dhadho Godhana was arrested and arraigned in court in connection with the clashes. He denied committing the offence but was relieved of his ministerial duties.
The Head of State said the Government had intensified security operations in Tana River.
Kibaki who appeared to link the clashes to lack of understanding of devolution by some people said the new system was good for the country.
“Leaders must stop fanning hatred and fear because of devolved structures of government that are enshrined in the Constitution. This is the time to educate our people on its implications and advantages without creating despondency,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to elect credible leaders with proven track record in the next General Election slated for March 2013.
“Let us say no to divisive leaders. Kenyans should look for development conscious leaders,” said Kibaki.
And the Head of State has directed the Ministry of Agriculture to constitute a team of experts to investigate a new viral strain that has attacked maize. “The continued spread of this virus could seriously impact on our food security and I need the team to establish and recommend ways of exterminating it,” he said.
To boost farming in Central, the President said the Government would establish five mega-dams in Aberdare Ranges and Mt Kenya.
