Uhuru faults DP's early campaigns, stand on report

President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Tumutumu church, Nyeri County. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta has dared his deputy William Ruto to implement his grand promises to Kenyans now, saying he is in government and not held back by anyone.

Uhuru made the remarks after attending an ordination function at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) at the Tumutumu presbytery, in what is likely to be seen as a sign of further deterioration of the relationship between the two top Jubilee leaders.

The president avoided politics at the church function, but in his address to residents at the Tumutumu junction on the Nairobi-Nyeri highway, he criticised early 2022 campaigns and promises to transform the lives of Kenyans by those opposed to the BBI report.

The president hit out at Ruto for his objection to the BBI report and the promise by him and his allies that they will make things better once they win in 2022.

Uhuru referred to Ruto and his allies as "Mbaari ya Ngeeka”, which in Gikuyu translates to the "Clan of Promises", meaning a clique that is all bark and no bite.

“Why are they saying they will do things then and not now? Why can’t they do it now and rest that matter? Why can’t we solve our problems now through the BBI,” posed Uhuru.

President Kenyatta said much of the challenges faced by Kenyans politically and economically would be addressed if the proposed BBI constitutional amendments become law.

“Let’s accept the BBI and amend the constitution now. Those who want to go back to political arena will do so when there is stability. It is the people who will decide who they will elect,” said Uhuru.

The seven-year tax holiday for new businesses and creation of new employment opportunities to the young people are among the proposals in the BBI report, which the president said will uplift people’s lives.

He drummed up support for the BBI, saying it will address the concerns on sharing of revenue, with those in populous regions gaining more.

“The recommendations seek to ensure that revenue sharing will be rightfully done in regard to where one lives. Parliamentary positions will also be distributed as per population represented in parliament,” he said.

Earlier, the Head of State pledged to give Sh100 million to Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Nyeri. Speaking during the Centennial celebration of first Kirk- Session and the ordination of elders at Tumutumu PCEA, Uhuru said the contribution will be used to complete the hospital project.

The hospital recently kicked off plans to construct an Intensive Care Unit to serve thousands of locals who travel long distances seeking the services.

“It is the PCEA church that helped my father acquire formal education. Most of my family members have done great things in this county in collaboration with the church,” said Uhuru.

The celebration worship service was hosted by Julius Mwamba, the moderator of the 22nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa.

Leaders who accompanied the president were Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya, Senate Chief Whip Irungu Kang'ata, and Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina.

Also in attendance were MPs Kanini Kega (Kieni), Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri town), Nyeri woman rep Rahab Mukami, Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Gichuki Mugambi (Othaya), James Gichuhi (Tetu), Anthony Kiai (Mukurwe-ini), Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa) and Catherine Waruguru (Laikipia woman rep), among others.