Uhuru accuses Cord of hatespeech

By Roselyn Obala and Eric Wainaina

KIAMBU, KENYA: Jubilee coalition presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta has told his rivals in CORD to table evidence he stole public wealth.

Uhuru was responding to Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s remark thatJubilee leaders must return stolen public property, including land.

“If you have any evidence that I have stolen anything, table it,” retorted Uhuru.

Uhuru spoke when he led leaders from Jubilee coalition to a rally at Githunguri Stadium in Kiambu.

He was accompanied by among others his running mate and URP party leader William Ruto.

A visibly angry Uhuru challenged Raila to tell Kenyans what he had in store for them or quit the presidential race.

Uhuru accused the PM of engaging in cheap politics.

Democratic right

Uhuru said CORD campaign team has been dwelling on insults and hate speech, which he vowed they would not be party to.

“We will not be drawn into such campaigns. For the sake of the country, let us concentrate on development issues and avoid mentioning opponents in every rally,” he added.

Uhuru reiterated that 2013 will be the year of Jubilee, adding that the country was ready for the coalition’s leadership.

“My plan is to win the presidency and serve Kenyans equally. My dear brother Raila, sell your policies and stop talking about others,” added the Deputy Prime Minister.

Uhuru said Kenyans should be allowed to make decision come the General Election without interference from whatever quarters.

“Let Kenyans have options of voting the way they want because this is their democratic right guaranteed by the Constitution,” added Uhuru.

The Gatundu South MP further said the Jubilee coalition will work towards uniting Kenyans and expanding the economy to better lives.

“We know The Hague case is there and with God’s grace, it will be over. It should not be used to campaign against us,” added Uhuru.

Uhuru commended President Kibaki for rejecting hefty pensions for MPs, saying they should fend for themselves. He pointed out that the retirement law was meant to benefit the President, the VP and the PM.

Uhuru said insecurity would never be eradicated through harassment or killing the youth.

“The solution is to provide opportunities for the youth so that they can provide for their families,” he added.

He thanked residents of Kiambu County for registering in high numbers as voters.

The DPM also appealed to Kiambu County residents to come out in large numbers and vote for a jubilee government. Uhuru assured TNA members that party nominations would be free and fair.

Sense defeat

Ruto, similarly, hit out at CORD, saying they had sensed defeat and started strange antics of slanted opinion polls.

He, however, exuded confidence that Jubilee coalition will win elections because all parts of the country were unanimous that Uhuru becomes the fourth president. The Eldoret North MP said a jubilee government will give priority to equity irrespective of class, tribe, race or religion.

“Rift Valley, Central, Nairobi, Eastern and Western have all decided that it is Jubilee,” added the Eldoret North MP.

Ruto said revamping agriculture will take precedence in a Jubilee coalition government, as this was the backbone of the economy that needed to be supported fully.