NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 12 – Cabinet Minister Mutula Kilonzo has scoffed at the developing political alliances, saying leaders are abdicating their responsibilities.
Mr Kilonzo said on Thursday that politicians should instead be focusing on development.
“I want to urge those who are seeking political alliances that you are wasting your time if you do not address the very serious challenges this country faces like hunger and jobs,” said the Cabinet Minister, while pointing out that politics should be left for 2012.
His comments come against a background of a developing alliance between Cabinet Ministers William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta.
In the meantime, the Nairobi Metropolitan Development Minister pleaded with the Treasury to increase its budgetary allocation for the City’s infrastructure.
“I am urging the Finance Minister to this year help us with more funds to enable us develop our infrastructure,” he said.
The Minister was speaking during the launch of the Mbagathi Way lighting and traffic signals project at a cost of over Sh80.5 million.
The project aims to erect 86 street lighting poles and traffic signals at both junctions on Mbagathi Way.
Mr Kilonzo stated that the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of April, will complement the ministry’s efforts to make Nairobi a 24-hour city.
“The street lighting work involves the installation of 86 street lighting poles between Ngong road and Langata Road,” he outlined.
“The work is underway and already 80 of the poles have been erected,” he stated further.
He said that putting up traffic signals on the road would go a long way in reducing traffic congestion on the busy road.
“The above interventions will help in coordinating traffic movement thus easing traffic movement.”
At the same time, the Minister called on the grand coalition government to implement recommendations suggested by the mediation team in early 2008.
Mr Kilonzo stated that the Serena team performed their work well and should not be blamed for the apparent dissatisfaction within the coalition.
He termed negotiator Kofi Annan’s presence in the country as an indication that reforms needed to take place.
“We did a very good job in Serena, we were there with you,” he affirmed, adding, “I don’t think his Excellency Kofi Annan is here on account of the eight mediators, he is here on account of the principles, because they are the ones letting us down.”
“I am calling on the principles to offer the leadership that is required, not only on the work that we did, but also to the country.”
