Keep your election promises to the public, Kibaki tells leaders

Retired President Mwai Kibaki(opening the tap), and Murang'a governor Mwangi wa Iria(2nd left) opens a tap after he commissioned Gathuri community water project which was funded by American donors.PHOTO:BONIFACE GIKANDI

Former President Mwai Kibaki has challenged leaders to remain truthful to their pledges to the public to avoid embarrassment when put to task.

"I know there are some leaders who have the habit of making wild pledges and when the public demands responsibility, they quickly deny having made such promises," said Kibaki.

He spoke on Friday at Gathuri Primary School in Maragua, Murang'a County, where he commissioned the Gathuri community water project.

The retire President performed his first task in water projects since he was appointed the Unesco special envoy for water in Africa. He said the commodity was crucial towards transformation of rural areas.

Kibaki said donor support has helped the community in the remote Gathuri village to realise its dream of accessing clean water.

"Efforts made by donors are appreciated, since the local community that has remained without access to water can now enjoy and make use of it," he said.

"Presence of water will support transformation of the rural community," he added.

Last year, four residents of Gathuri village died of cholera while tens of others were hospitalised after they drank polluted water.

Murang'a County leaders, led by Governor Mwangi wa Iria and Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau, praised Kibaki as a pillar who has helped the nation make major strides in development.

Wa Iria said Kibaki's strategies in development shaped the destiny of the country by implementing projects to completion.

"To support President Kibaki's efforts to provide clean water to residents, 30 bore holes will be sunk by the county government in areas that have already been identified to increase access," the governor said.

Kamau appreciated Kibaki as a leader who, despite criticism, remained focused on his development agenda.

"Your humility helped you to transform the country to great heights. The former head of state is rated as a nationalist, as he ignored the noise made by the Opposition and remained focused in service delivery," he said.

Others present were Maragua MP Peter Kamande and Murang'a woman representative Sabina Chege.