Uhuru declines Moi praise title

President Uhuru Kenyatta does not want to be referred to as Mtukufu Rais, a title previously bestowed on Mr Daniel arap Moi.

Speaking at a rally at Gatundu Stadium on Wednesday, President Kenyatta told Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi: “I know my political colleagues here love their government, but let me tell Senator Wamatangi that we no longer use the title Mtukufu. If you want just say Mheshimiwa Rais (Honourable President),” he said amid applause.

Retired president Mwai Kibaki also publicly rejected the title.

In the past, politicians referred to the President in flowery language in a bid to outdo each other in pledging loyalty.

One of the most flamboyant “court poets” was Nyanza politician and then Education minister Oloo Aringo, who once referred to President Moi as “Prince of Peace.”

President Kenyatta was in Gatundu to officially commission a new unit at the level 4 hospital funded by China.

The President praised the Chinese government for its support, particularly in health and infrastructure development.

He said the government had increased the health budget by 15 per cent.

“No matter what others say, the Jubilee government will work towards fulfilling our promise,” he said.

He appealed to county governments to stop bickering and work with the central government.

“I want to tell governors and senators that this is not the time for wrangling. We should devote our time to serving the electorate,” he said.

Chinese ambassador Liu Guanghiu said the Gatundu hospital, Eldoret Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital’s anti-malaria unit were among projects funded by his government.

He hailed the Jubilee government’s commitment to improve healthcare and pledged China’s continued support.