Grow up, Uhuru tells rowdy Opposition MPs

President Uhuru Kenyatta share some happy times with Njoro MP Joseph Kiuna and Sister Rose Wangui after laying a foundation stone for the Mother of Mercy Girls' Secondary school hall during a fundraising at the institute, Njoro, Nakuru County on 02-04-2016 where he called ypon leaders to lead by examples in leadership,president Kenyatta gave sh 5Million and his deputy William Ruto sent sh 1Million PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU

President Uhuru Kenyatta asked the Opposition to be more constructive in their criticism of the government and demonstrate more maturity.

Speaking several days days after Members of Parliament from the Orange Democratic Movement heckled his State of the Nation address in the National Assembly, the President  described their actions as immature, and noted that there more civilised ways of criticising the government. He observed that disrupting a solemn constitutional function was unhelpful.

“We (government) have no problem with their (Opposition) criticism but such criticism must be based on policy and should be constructive,” said the Head of State who was addressing residents of Lare in Njoro constituency at Mother of Grace Girls’ Secondary School during a funds drive in aide of the institution.

“Like all governments, this government has its weaknesses and has failed in some of critical areas but as Kenyans, the Opposition must demonstrate maturity and let us compete on policy and not show hatred and disrespect,” he said.

The President maintained that his administration would not be cowed or intimidated by the Opposition and noted that he was determined to fulfill Jubilee's election pledges to Kenyans.

“Those hurling insults and abuse must know that we will not be cowed by their hatred. We will continue to serve Kenyans the best way we know. And when that time comes, the people will decide,” Uhuru said.

The President was accompanied by Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua, Senator James Mungai, Women Representative Mary Mbugua, MPs Joseph Kiuna (Njoro), Jacob Macharia (Molo), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East) and Members of the Nakuru County Assembly.

Leaders from the area also hit out at the Opposition disrupting the President’s State of the Nation address.

“Those MPs should know that next time we are not going to allow them to blow whistles and disrupt such a solemn function. We will deal with them right on the floor of the House,” said Mr Gikaria.

The MP regretted that CORD co-principal Raila Odinga had come out to support the heckling of the President and said Kenyans  would determine at the ballot the quality of leaders they want.

Forcefully ejected

Governor Mbugua said the President demonstrated his leadership qualities by ignoring the ODM legislators.

“Mr President what you did in Parliament, your first reaction to the heckling and choosing to ignore the hecklers and staying calm as the Speaker of the National Assembly tried to control the House, was a demonstration of true leadership,"   Mbugua observed.

Mr Mungai said the the MPs' action was unbecoming of Members of Parliament.

“It was poor example to our children and the nation. Nothing redeems such misconduct and it set a poor example to children,” he said.

The President finally read his speech after the seven Members of Parliament from ODM were ejected from Parliament.

They are ODM chairman and Suba MP John Mbadi, Ruaraka MP T. J. Kajwang, Homa Bay Women Representative Gladys Wanga, Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo, Nyando’s Fred Outa and Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi may be banned from the House for 11 months for his actions. He was forcefully ejected from the chamber by orderlies.

The President said his government was determined to ensure that the country remained united.

“When we were elected we made promise to unite the country, we are determined to keep that promise,” the President said.

Addressing the issue of alcoholism among the the youth, Uhuru warned chiefs and their assistants to be vigilant.

“I want to warn the chiefs here that they will be sacked if they fail to stop the sale of illicit brews,” said the Head of State.

The President directed the county government of Nakuru to support learning institutions that admit children from poor families.

Uhuru acknowledged the contribution of Sister Rose Wangoi, the founder of Mother of Mercy Girls's Secondary School, because the learning institution she heads supports 351 girls from Lare in Njoro constituency and surrounding areas.