In direct reference to Cord leader Raila Odinga, Mr Kenyatta said it was wrong for the Opposition to continue engaging in campaigns that further divided the people.
“I was given the mandate to lead this country, and the Opposition should stop going round maligning the government.
“I am asking my brother Raila Odinga to accept defeat and help this government in uniting Kenyans and delivering on development instead of putting the country in a campaign mode,” said the President.
Mr Kenyatta was speaking at Mlango Kubwa in Mathare while campaigning for TNA candidate George Wanjohi before attending an inter-denominational prayer service at the Redeemed Gospel Church in Huruma.
Roadblocks
He said he would have done the same if Raila had won the elections in 2013, saying the government cannot realise its goals of serving Kenyans if the Opposition continued to put roadblocks on its way.
“I would have respected Raila as the head of State if he had defeated me in the elections, and I expect him to do the same now that I’m the President,” he said.
Mr Kenyatta acknowledged that there were challenges including insecurity and unemployment, but said it would be difficult for the government to surmount such problems in a hostile environment that also scared investors from coming to Kenya.
“I respect Raila as a leader in this country but as a government we will not accept conditions that do not add value to our quest to unite Kenyans. Let him come and offer whatever solutions he has for this country but not setting conditions that will not help us solve problems facing Kenyans.
“We inherited all these problems from the previous regimes that spent most of the time bickering. We are up to the task of addressing all these issues but this can only be achieved if everyone joins in instead of engaging in politicking,” he said.
Deputy President William Ruto who attended the service said the government would not be distracted.
“Kenya is going places and the few challenges that you see today are only temporary,” said Mr Ruto.
Leaders who spoke condemned the push for a referendum.
Source-nation.co.ke
