It’s the usual rhetoric, CORD leaders say

President Uhuru Kenyatta‘s speech elicited mixed reactions from leaders across the political divide. Leaders allied to the Jubilee government lauded the President on his tough stand on runaway graft, but those from the Opposition discredited his administration for failing to stamp out the corruption monster and resorting to intimidation.

Senators Boni Khalwale and Hassan Omar scoffed at the President‘s warning, saying there was nothing new in his script.

 “The President is lost if he thinks that we are still in the old constitution, where the word of the President was law. The freedom of the media and speech is guaranteed in the Constitution and we will continue to point out the wrongs, especially on corruption,”  said Khalwale.

The Kakamega Senator said Uhuru‘s directive will not put pressure on Opposition leader Raila Odinga to go to the EACC on Monday over the Eurobond Saga.

“We will camp at Raila‘s house on Monday and ensure he does not leave.”

Senator Omar accused the President of engaging in intimidation and trying to shift the narrative from being held accountable.

He argued that private citizens have the democratic right to hold government accountable, adding that asking them to substantiate their claims amount to intimation.

“This is a form of intimidation and attempts to shift the narrative to avoid being asked about the Eurobond proceeds,“ Omar said, adding that former President Mwai Kibaki never took offense with his criticism by the Opposition.

Legislator Opiyo Wandayi, who is also the ODM Political Affairs Secretary added: “It was full of the usual polemics. He should have given the country a clear road map out of the current economic crisis into, which Jubilee has plunged Kenya through mismanage of corruption.”

But National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, MPs Kabando wa Kabando, Kanini Kega  and William Cheptumo lauded Uhuru‘s tough stand on corruption and welcomed his declaration that there will no sacred cows.

According to Duale, the government has already brought a Bill on assets recovery, which was published yesterday. “The President has showed the highest political will to fight corruption. No one will be spared whether in the public or private sector, showing that he is indeed committed to tackle the graft menace,” Duale said.

Kabando  and Kega concurred, saying the president has shown bold and consistent pursuit against graft.  Kega said the president‘s speech was spot on and highlighted actionable plans the government has put in place in fighting corruption.

“It is clear Mr Kenyatta is committed in fighting corruption. Bringing in the private sector in the war confirms the commitment,” added Cheptumo.

Duale noted that decision by Chief Justice Wlly Mutunga‘s to set up anti-corruption court at the High Court to deal with corruption cases is commendable, and urged the Judiciary to expedite the cases. “The president was telling the Judiciary that it has failed in prosecuting cases on graft that already before the institution,” said Kega.

He faulted irresponsible talks, urging leaders, the media and citizens to be honest.