Use the Browser BACK button to return to listings

Lamu, December 28, 2004

President Mwai Kibaki greets wananchi on arrival at Faza island, Lamu District where he addressed a public rally.

Shun tribalism and develop your country, President Kibaki urges

President Mwai Kibaki today reiterated his call to Kenyans to shun tribalism and join hands in rebuilding the nation.

Noting that the revival of the East African Community is on its final stages, President Kibaki said Kenyans should not allow tribalism to prevent them from enjoying the benefits of regional integration.

In this regard, the President stressed that Kenyans should work hard and produce more to take advantage of the wider market provided by the re-establishment of the East African Community.

“Kenyans should start thinking globally to benefit from the opportunities existing not only in the East African region but also in other African countries and even beyond. Broad thinking will help us develop faster,” the President said.

He said the East African Community will not only ensure faster development is realized in the region but will also offer employment opportunities to Kenyans.

The President pointed out that Rwanda and Burundi have also expressed interest to join the East African Community thus expanding the chances for the region’s youth.

He called on Kenyans to take advantage of the Free Primary Education Program so that they can benefit from the opportunities created by regional integration.

“Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have agreed to come together for the benefit of the three countries. Rwanda and Burundi have also expressed interest to join the Community. Therefore those with good education stand a better chance of getting employment,” he said.

The President was addressing public rallies at Mpeketoni, Faza and Lamu Island in Lamu district.

The President also talked about the Somali peace process which Kenya played a leading role in ensuring the resolution of the conflict in the Horn of Africa Country and the advantages Kenyans would get once peace was restored in the neighboring country.

In this connection, President Kibaki assured Lamu residents that the Government will rehabilitate the road network in the district and construct a road to the Somali border to facilitate trade between the two countries.

“Now that the Somalis have elected a president, we hope to work with them for the benefit of the two nations” the President Said.

He said the remaining part of the Garsen-Lamu road will be tarmacked to enable farmers and fishermen transport their farm produce and fish to the market on time.

The President, therefore, asked the residents to increase production and full participate in developing their area.

President Kibaki once again pointed out that Kenya has the potential to achieve faster development if Kenyans unite and concentrate on developing where they live irrespective of where they come from.

“Kenyans are free to work and live in any part of the country. You should consider where you live as your home and work hard to develop that area” the President said, adding: “That way we can ensure every part of Kenya is developed”.

He urged the older generation not to instill tribalism in the youth but instead preach patriotism and the need to work together to develop their country.

At the Lamu Island rally, President Kibaki assured wananchi that they will not be discriminated against in the issuance of identity cards.

He warned civil servants who delayed the issuance of identification documents so that they can solicit bribes from wananchi that the Government will deal with them accordingly, saying the war against corruption will not be applied selectively.

During the Faza rally, the President was installed as a Bajuni elder while First Lady Lucy Kibaki was crowned as a Bajuni Women’s leader.

Present were Ministers Chris Murungaru, Najib Balala, Chirau Ali Mwakwere, Assistant Ministers Danson Mungatana and Morris Dzoro, Lamu East MP Abu Chiaba and his Lamu West counterpart Fahim Twaha.

Others were Members of Parliament Ramadham Seif Kajembe, Annania Mwaboza, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President Dave Mwangi and the Coast Provincial Commissioner Cyrus Maina among others.