President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, January 28, came out strongly in support of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) as he declared that his mission to unite the country was unstoppable.
Speaking in Salgaa, Nakuru County, where he launched a new cement factory owned by the Devki Group, Uhuru hit out at critics as he reiterated that national unity was necessary for Kenya's development.
"Let's not be afraid of coming together. It is what is necessary for stability and to move this country forward. I will not be shaken. That is where I am and I will continue on that path until Kenyans have peace, not living in fear every five years.
"We want Kenyans to vote, go home, eat ugali and chapati, wait for the results and be at work the next day without any bloodshed," he asserted.
The president declared that nothing would stop him from achieving his stated goal of uniting the country.
"On this journey, no one can stop me. I've said this before. On this journey we will get to our destination," Uhuru noted as he wrapped up his speech.
The president had earlier thanked the Devki Group for supporting industrialization efforts around the country.
Noting that the Salgaa plant was the fifth cement factory to be established by the company, he revealed that another plant owned by Devki would be opened in West Pokot County in the months to follow.
West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo, Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi and Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos were among county bosses in attendance.
Uhuru urged the Devki Group to initiate projects to support the community living around the new plant in Salgaa.
He further asserted the importance of shifting industrialisation projects to various counties in Kenya, away from a tradition of locating major industries around Kenya's largest urban centres, Nairobi and Mombasa.
"Industrialisation has been centred around Nairobi and Mombasa while other areas are chiefly suppliers of agriculture and raw materials.
"Our investment in road and rail infrastructure as well as electricity and enhancing ease of business has ensured every county is witnessing increased investment," Uhuru asserted.
The plant is expected to produce 750,000 tonnes of cement annually.
Watch a video of Uhuru's speech below courtesy of Citizen TV:
