There is no room for secession, warns Kibaki

There is no room for secession, warns Kibaki Written By:PPS,    Posted: Mon, May 28, 2012

Kibaki said Kenya has been and will continue to be one national entity President Mwai Kibaki has urged politicians to stop misleading wananchi that there is any room for secession of any part of the country. The Head of State emphasized that Kenya has been and will continue to be one national entity. "Our constitution clearly states that Kenya is one unitary state.  We must therefore say no to those persons who seek to divide our country into tribal and regional bastions," the President said. President Kibaki was speaking on Monday when he officially opened the ultra-modern Adventist University of Africa Judith Thomas Library in Ongata Rongai. Reiterating that Kenya is one country under one central government, the President observed that the new Constitution offers the country the opportunity for devolved governments which give wananchi the power to elect leaders at the grassroots level. In this regard, President Kibaki said those who feel they have something to offer the people should be focusing on these devolved units of government instead of engaging in activities that would undermine national unity. The President noted that a general election offers the nation an avenue to elect into office leaders who will take the country to the next level of development. "We would like Kenya to be known for good moral and inspired leadership in all spheres of human endeavor.  As we prepare for the next general elections we must bear this in mind," the President said. He added that the next elections are an opportunity to elect persons who will be faithful to the country's Constitution. On development, President Kibaki reaffirmed that Kenya's national development strategy is guided by VISION 2030 whose objective is to transform the country into a middle-income economy with a high quality of life for the citizens. Said the President: "The Vision is all-embracing, with the economic, social and political pillars touching on every facet of our society." In this connection, the President commended the Adventist University of Africa for championing one of the flagships of the social pillar by facilitating and promoting the provision of education. He noted that the Seventh Day Adventist Church has so far established two main universities in Kenya.  "It is encouraging that your other University, Baraton was the first church sponsored university in Kenya to be granted a charter," President Kibaki said. Appreciating the critical role played by faith-based organizations in the provision of education and healthcare in the country, President Kibaki  pointed out that their contribution has gone a long way towards improving the quality of life and holistic development of Kenyans, especially the youth. The President, therefore, said his Government will continue to offer the support needed to enable faith-based organizations and the private sector to partner with the Government in the provision of education and other services in the country. President Kibaki, once again, commended the leadership of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the chancellor, the university council and management for providing the necessary leadership which made it possible for the ultra-modern library complex project to be initiated and completed. The President, at the same time, challenged the Adventist University of Africa to seek to be a centre of excellence in Kenya and the entire continent in producing postgraduate leaders who will make a transformational difference. Said the President: "Visionary leadership is critical for effective service delivery at all levels.  We have a responsibility to raise a generation of leaders who will guide development efforts in Kenya and Africa as a whole." President Kibaki stressed that true leaders must possess qualities that inspire hope and confidence in the future of their country. Addressing the same occasion, the Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology Prof. Margaret Kamar, challenged institutions of higher learning to train manpower relevant to the society and industry. Prof. Kamar thanked the university for incorporating spiritual training in its learning programmes, adding that the greatest challenge to present day leadership is the lack of integrity and courage to fight vices in the society.  On his part, Internal Security Minister Prof. George Saitoti thanked the Adventist University of Africa for establishing an institution of unrivalled stature in Africa in Kenya adding the installation of such facilities as ultra-modern library would facilitate in the training of quality and all round professionals. Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. Sam Ongeri commended the institution for laying foundation that ensures not only professional training but also ensure the development of the mind, soul and heart of graduands. Other Speakers during the auspicious occasion included the Presiding Leader of the Worldwide SDA Church, Dr. Ted Wilson, the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor, Adventist University of Africa Dr. Pardon Mwansa and Prof Brempong Owusu-Antwi respectively. In attendance were Assistant Minister for Defence Joseph Nkaissery, acting Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia, SDA clergy and other senior government officials.