Kibaki warns police in city tour

President Kibaki on Monday campaigned in the city’s Dagoretti and Westlands constituencies.

The day-long tour started at the Joseph Kang’ethe grounds in Kibera and ended with a political rally at Kangemi.

The Head of State also addressed another rally at Ndararuwa grounds in Dagoretti where he called on Kenyans to shun poll violence.

He said chaos and violence were futile as the election would be carried out on a single day and Kenyans would continue with their daily activities.

At the same time the Head of State called on police officers not to harass residents.

Innocent Kenyans

He said a few police officers were tarnishing the name of the force by harassing innocent Kenyans as they solicited bribes. He also condemned voter bribery.

He also warned the officers against harassing matatu crew on flimsy grounds.

In the presence of Internal Security minister John Michuki, the President asked authorities not to force matatu crew to wear uniforms which he likened to witch-hunting.

Mr Michuki introduced the requirement that matatu crews wear uniform among other regulations when he was the minister for Transport in the early days of the Narc Government.

The Transport Licensing Board regulations have been credited for reducing road carnage. 

But the President Kibaki warned those breaking the law, saying they would be punished.

He asked wananchi to report such people to the police for legal action.

“Every one should do the work he has been given as we continue to raise their salaries. We do no want the police to harass peace-loving Kenyans,” he said.

President Kibaki called on Kenyans to shun violence in the elections as this was not the first time the country was conducting polls.

He rooted for issue-based campaigns, noting that the country needed development-minded leaders to deal with the challenges facing the country.

Kenyans should further desist from insults, he said, adding that they had the  right to support or reject any candidate. And they should let even those leaders they oppose to sell their policies.

He pleaded with city residents registered to vote in Nairobi to cast their ballots before travelling upcountry to continue with the December festivities.

He reiterated that his government would provide free secondary education to ensure children graduating from primary schools complete their studies.

He said his government would collect enough taxes to finance the programme.

President Kibaki put tax defaulters on notice, saying the country could not run without the levies.

Disband party

At the Joseph Kang’ethe grounds, the President caused laughter when he told the people that he would not allow Lang’ata aspirant Stanley Livondo to speak as they had demanded since it was his meeting.

Elsewhere, Kanu chairman Uhuru Kenyatta said that he would not disband his party. 

Mr Kenyatta noted that this would give Kanu bargaining power should President Kibaki form the next government.

“Those who joined ODM are now having it rough as they don’t have parties from where they can bargain. They wanted me to disband Kanu which I declined,” he said yesterday at a campaign rally in Kericho Green Stadium.