President Uhuru Kenyatta calls for national prayers

President Uhuru Kenyatta speaks with Thika MP Alice Ng'ang'a and Senate Majority leader Prof Kithure Kindiki at African Christian Church in Thika during a fundraising in aid of the church.

THIKA, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the Government is firm despite attempts to destabilise it but asked religious leaders to pray for his administration.

President Kenyatta said there was no cause for alarm because the Government was stable and on course towards implementing the Jubilee manifesto, adding that no amount of political rhetoric would distract his Government from implementing pre-election pledges.

The President urged the Church and Kenyans in general to pray for the Government and the country, saying divine intervention was needed at a time when the country was experiencing myriad challenges.

"The country needs prayers at the moment. I urge the Church and Kenyans to come together and pray for the country since with God we can surmount all the challenges," Uhuru said, adding that the Government, in conjunction with religious organisations, should organise a national prayer day to dedicate the country to God.

"A country that is God-fearing can surmount any challenges that come her way at any given time," the President said.

He spoke at the African Christian Church and schools in Thika, Kiambu County, Sunday during a fundraising in aid of the church. Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and more than 15 Jubilee MPs who accompanied the President criticised CORD leaders for raising political temperatures and disrupting economic activities.

On insecurity, Uhuru said terrorism was a reality and urged wananchi to be more vigilant and work with security agencies. He said security was the collective responsibility of the Government and Kenyans, and urged citizens to complement the Government's efforts to improve security.

Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki urged the President to ignore the Opposition's calls for dialogue, saying it was not provided for in the Constitution or the Jubilee manifesto.

DIALOGUE CONCERNS

Mr Kindiki called on the Opposition to follow the laid down structures by the Constitution to address their national dialogue concerns.

"If the opposition has any petition on devolution, let them direct their grievances to the Senate. And on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, let them direct their petition to the National Assembly through their MPs since that is what the Constitution envisages," Kindiki said.