President Uhuru Kenyatta has welcomed Cord’s call for national dialogue but insisted that there was no room for a coalition government.
The President said that plans for national dialogue have been going on for the past five months.
He was speaking at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi during the celebrations to mark the 51st Madaraka Day.
In an apparent reference to the opposition, the President said that freedom must be practiced with responsibility.
“Some of us have forgotten that self-rule comes with responsibility,” he said.
On Saturday, Cord leader Raila Odinga demanded that the government convene a national dialogue forum to address the worsening political, security and economic conditions.
He was speaking at Uhuru Park upon his return from the US.
CORD’S REACTION
But in a quick reaction to the President’s sentiments, Cord has said that they are not interested in joining the government.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, Cord said “it has never contemplated and will never contemplate joining the Government.”
The statement was signed by Mr Odinga’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango.
It further said that the opposition will not relent in its quest for national dialogue in a bid to address the challenges facing the country.
The opposition wants issues of insecurity and devolution, among others, addressed.
PRESIDENT’S SPEECH
In his address to the nation on Madaraka Day, the President announced that CCTV cameras would be installed in major urban centres.
He added that there would be broadband connectivity at border points in order to enhance security.
A further 10,000 police officers would be recruited in the next financial year, the President added.
At the same time, a national digital register will be effected in which all people above the age of 12 will have their details captured.
The President called on Kenyans to embrace the Nyumba Kumi initiative in order to enhance security.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to improve the welfare of Kenyans.
“This year we shall work smarter and harder,” he said.
