I gave you State jobs despite not voting for me, Uhuru tells Kisii

 

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto address a gathering at Magwagwa shopping center,North Mugirango in Nyamira county on March 21,2017. The president was in Gusii region to launch several projects including Chabera-Ikonge road. (Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)

President Uhuru Kenyatta has told the Kisii people that he gave many members of the community State jobs despite the region voting overwhelmingly for the Opposition in 2013.

During his tour of the region yesterday, President Kenyatta and his Deputy Wiliam Ruto commissioned various road projects.

Uhuru and Ruto began their two-day tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties with a promise of goodies ahead of the August polls.

The President promised the Abagusii community more State jobs for their sons and daughters and more development projects should they help re-elect him in the coming polls.

"I have appointed many members of the community to big positions in Government yet you overwhelmingly voted for the opposition in 2013," said the President.

Uhuru pointed out that he had appointed Bitange Ndemo to head the Nairobi Metropolis, Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Principal Secretary Mrs Susan Mochache to his Government.

"We are determined to form a Government that encompasses every Kenyan. We have called on Kisii leaders to join our party and be part of our next Government," added Uhuru.

The President also took on the Opposition leaders, saying they were responsible for the socio-economic woes facing the country.

He pointed out the recent defection of ODM leaders in the region to Jubilee as a sign of major political realignments in the region.

Speaking at Igonga market in Bonchari Constituency, Uhuru said he would not dwell on past political patterns, adding that his Government was determined to unite Kenyans regardless of their tribal affiliations.

Speaking after commissioning the construction of the Sh3.6 billion Nyamira-Igonga-Nyabioto-Riana-Motonto-Suneka road, President Kenyatta said even if the Gusii community voted overwhelmingly for ODM, residents had a right to development projects.

The President said he would not listen to the Opposition's continued attacks on his Government, adding that he was  committed to fulfil all his campaign pledges.

"Some people want to continue with the formation of political coalitions based on tribal perspectives. This is the kind of politics that I want Kenyans to shun and focus on how to include everyone in nation building.

Some communities, including the Kisii, have bought land across the country and are doing their business. We don't wish to alienate such hard-working individuals," said the Head of State.

Speaking later on in Nyamira County while launching the Sh33.1 billion Ikonge-Magwagwa-Chabera road, the President said they had been in Government for only five years but delivered substantial economic growth.

He said the 45km road would be complete in the next nine months, adding that the State had allocated Sh20 billion towards the improvement of other roads in both Kisii and Nyamira counties.

Ruto, who joined President Uhuru at Magwagwa shopping centre, also blamed key Opposition leaders for historical problems facing the country.

"We are ready to work with the Gusii community in improving the country's economy and fostering unity among all the Kenyan tribes," the DP said.

Ruto, who was accompanied by Borabu MP Ben Momanyi had earlier commissioned the construction of Kijauri-Nyansiongo-Road Kijauri-Manga-Raitigo road.