He pointed out that even bigger democracies the world over have two or three strong parties/PSCU
NAROK, Kenya, Aug 13 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasised that Jubilee’s move to bring together small parties will strengthen democracy, not stifle it.
He pointed out that even bigger democracies the world over have two or three strong parties.
“Let me assure Kenyans that having fewer strong national political parties will promote ideologies and not tribal politics. The new political outfit will consolidate the country’s unity,” President Kenyatta who was speaking at a thanksgiving service for Geothermal Development Company Managing Director Johnson Nchoe in Narok County said.
He allayed fears by Opposition leaders that dissolution of smaller parties to form the Jubilee Party (JP) will kill democracy in the country.
He pointed out that fewer national parties will instead enhance national unity by bring together Kenyans from all parts of the country.
President Kenyatta told off leaders who claimed that formation of JP was a way of reintroducing a single party politics in the country.
He said the Jubilee Government was united without wrangles and capable of bringing the desired transformative change in the country. He asked leaders to shun divisive politics and direct their energy to uniting Kenyans.
President Kenyatta reiterated that the Jubilee Party’s plan to involve IEBC in its nominations was aimed at promoting internal party democracy and ensure fairness to all prospective candidates.
The Head of State said the government was not in any way interested in interfering with the electoral body’s operation but only wanted to use its expertise to ensure free and fair party nominations.
He reaffirmed his commitment to all members of the new political outfit that he and Deputy President will not interfere with democratic nominations in the party.
“As I have said again and again, I and my Deputy have no preferred candidates. I have only one vote. The majority of votes are with the people. Go to the people and seek votes there,” said the President.
During the occasion, the President received Opposition members of the County Assembly of Narok who have defected to JP. The MCAs were Salagat Nchoe of Mosiro ward, Ateti Nchoe of Naikara ward, and Henry Siololo of Siana ward and Daudi Muntet of Oloropil ward.
President Kenyatta also urged leaders from across the political divide to exercise their democratic rights with respect and decorum for the country to move forward.
He said politics of division practiced by some leaders were only dragging back the country’s development.
“We need to practice politics that brings Kenyans together. Competitive politics is not enmity. We can have different shades of opinion and still remain friends,” the President said.
Narok Governor Samuel ole Tunai praised the government’s development record, appreciating that the Standard Gauge Railway – which will pass through Narok – will bring investors to the county.
He expressed hope that the new investors will build factories and promote value addition for the benefit of the people of Narok.
Veteran politician and former Cabinet Minister William ole Ntimama assured the President that the Maa community has resolved to support Jubilee.
He said the leaders will ensure that the few who are still in the opposition decamp to Jubilee which has proved to be a party for development.
National Assemble Majority Leader Aden Duale said by deciding to support Jubilee, the Maa community will be joining majority of the pastoralist communities that are already in the new party that will be launched next month.
Earlier, President Kenyatta switched on lights at the homestead of Parsayian ole Sadera as part of the Government’s commitment to the Last Mile connectivity project.
The project entails increasing the number of installed transformers to ensure homesteads nearby are connected that increase electricity access to Kenyans across the country.
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