Uhuru hits out at leaders dismissing him on tribal basis

By Ali Abdi

EASTERN, KENYA: Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta has asked his rivals to desist from dragging his ethnicity into the presidential campaigns.

Speaking on his second day tour of Isiolo County at Garba-Tulla Baraza Park in Isiolo South Constituency Sunday, Uhuru said those using his tribe’s name to discredit him were insincere.

“My ethnicity should not be a factor to spread falsehood. My political life had all through been marked by inclusiveness. I am who I am and not anybody else and that is what Kenyans should judge me on,” said Uhuru who also held rallies in Modogashe and Kinna trading centres.

The Party of National Alliance presidential hopeful said he is seeking leadership as a Kenyan and not as a Kikuyu, adding that the fact that his father was a President should not be used as a propaganda tool to discredit him.

The Gatundu South MP said the country, under new Constitution has no place for a leader with dictatorial tendencies adding: “Today, the president must listen to the people, the Judiciary and Parliament’’.

He said Kenyans require a leader who is development conscious. He praised President Kibaki for his initiative to develop the infrastructure including northern Kenya and cited the construction of the Isiolo-Moyale road.

Develop region

He was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Naomi Shaban, Assistant minister Jebii Kilimo and MPs Abdul Bahari, Danson Mungatana, Rachel Shebesh, Maison Leshoomo, Yussuf Hassan, Mike Mbuvi, Tirus Ngahu and Ferdinand Waititu.

Under his leadership, the DPM pledged to spearhead development initiatives started by President Kibaki to open up northern Kenya.

“We will give priority to develop the infrastructure. The Garissa-Modogashe-Mandera road would be a priority. The region will become accessible and increase trade volume,” he said.

Bahari who hosted the Deputy Premier said Isiolo County residents would support Uhuru for helping their professionals get employment.

Shebesh said she joined TNA because Uhuru’s party was more inclusive and was taking care of women and youth’s interest while citing the presence of her female colleagues.

Mungatana said an all-inclusive alliance that TNA is pursuing among likeminded leaders would emerge victorious in the first round of the polls.