Uhuru and Raila jointly vow to avoid election violence

Nairobi. President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila Odinga on Monday jointly vowed to avert bloodshed in the next elections.

Brought together during the 38th anniversary of the death of the founding father of the nation, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the two stated that political competition should no longer provide a platform for Kenyans to take up arms and end the lives of fellow citizens.

“We shall never compete again in this country to the detriment of our people or cause bloodshed in our nation,” said President Kenyatta, adding: “Kenya is a democratic country. We shall compete and compete healthily.”

Mr Odinga, who had been invited by the President to address a congregation at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi, said the unity of Kenyans is greater than the ambitions of politicians.

“Whenever we have these political brawls here and there, we talk it out. He (Mr Kenyatta) calls me or I call him. We’ll always talk,” he said.

He went on: “As we get into the campaigns, the heat is going to flare up. But Kenya will be here year in, year out. We should not let the campaign heat divide the people. Never again should we shed blood because of political enmity.”

The President, together with close family members and a handful of national leaders, had attended a brief ceremony and laid wreaths at the Mzee Kenyatta’s mausoleum, before walking to the church.

The Head of State said even as he marked the day, he was reflective of the sacrifices made by others in the struggle to liberate Kenya, a heritage the current crop of politicians should safeguard.

“We ought to remember that the struggle was not for themselves but for a better nation, society, and the true legacy for us has to be in our ability to carry forward that dream of a peaceful, united and prosperous nation,” said the President.

He said those who occupy office should strive to unite the country.

“At one time, all of us will be out of this office. The only legacy that will matter is what we did during our time in office to make this country a better place,” he added, “That is what we should seek to be remembered for. What did we do for the country? How did we unite the country?”

President Kenyatta said elections should be meant to give Kenyans a choice in terms of ideas, philosophy, programmes and political agenda but not to pit one Kenyan against another.

Mr Odinga said he had put aside other things because his and Mr Kenyatta’s families are close.

He said: “One day, we will be gone. This political competition should not bring any enmity that will cause people to shed blood.”(NMG)