Uhuru accuses Raila of seeking foreigners’ help in presidency bid

President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses a rally at Ndumberi in Kiambu County. [photo/Kamau Maichuhie, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the country will not entertain international mediation in the elections.

The president said Kenya was not in a crisis to warrant interference by the international community.

He accused NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga of exerting pressure on the international community to set up a mediation team as a strategy to form a coalition government.

Speaking at Kenol market in Murang’a, and Ndumberi Stadium in Kiambu, Kenyatta said instead of campaigning, Raila was causing conflict to plunge the country into chaos.  “Raila is in Europe seeking support for the formation of a mediation team, which will not be allowed.  Koffi Annan is not welcomed in Kenya. We have a Constitution that provides guidelines, Raila is only engaging in sideshows,” he said.

The Head of State said NASA had focused on castigating the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and other institutions and holding press conferences daily.

“Jubilee team has remained focused on conducting countrywide campaigns as Raila is left confused on whether to participate in the polls or not,” said the President.

Kenyatta maintained that Kenya was a sovereign state that will not be directed on what to do by the foreigners.

He blamed Raila for the demonstrations and destruction of property in various parts of the country.

The President appealed to 70,000 voters who failed to cast their votes on August 8 to turn out in the forthcoming elections.

Frustrate the election

“Am disturbed that Raila has incited his supporters to raid police stations as it was witnessed in Bondo,” he said.

Deputy President William Ruto said 45 million Kenyans should ignore sideshows by the opposition and participate in the election of their leaders.

He said NASA leader has taken to criticising most institutions in the country over fears of losing in the repeat polls that were ordered by the Supreme Court.

“All Kenyans should come out and participate in the polls on October 26 as directed by Supreme Court. No individuals will be allowed to hold the country hostage as going to London among other cities is a ploy to frustrate the election,” said Ruto.

The DP said despite good relations between Kenya and the foreign nations, the international community should not influence, who becomes the next President of Kenya.

Murang’a leaders led by Governor Mwangi wa Iria and MPs Muturi Kigano (Kangema), Peter Kimari (Mathioya), Mary Waithira (Maragua), Alice Waithira ( Kandara) and Joseph Nduati ( Gatanga) accompanied the President during the campaigns.

Kiambu leaders were led by Governor Ferdinand Waititu, Senator Kimani wa Matangi and County MP Gathoni WaMuchomba.

Meanwhile, Jubilee leaders in Western have said the NASA leader has no powers to stop the October 26 repeat presidential election.

They said Raila is looking for sympathetic votes by declaring that he has withdrawn from the race yet he has not signed form 24A.

Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, MPs; Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo) said it is only IEBC which can change the date of the polls.

They asked Kenyans not to be misled by Opposition leaders that there will be no election.

“The repeat presidential election will be held on October 26 as IEBC announced. IEBC has assured Kenyans that it is ready for the election. Nobody should stop Kenyans from exercising their democratic right,” said Wamalwa.

Speaking at Namirama in Navakholo during the funeral of his uncle William Wamalwa, the CS said Raila has no powers to block any Kenyan from voting.

“The Constitution is clear, Kenyans have a right to participate in the election. Those who will frustrate Kenyans from voting will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.

In a statement read by Environment CS Judy Wakhungu, President Uhuru Kenyatta described the late Wamalwa as an industrious leader who served Kenyans in different capacities with interest of fostering development.

Mr Wangwe accused NASA of scheming to plunge the country into chaos through anti-IEBC demonstrations.

[Additional report by Alex Wakhisi and Jack Murima ]