Uhuru appeals for peaceful campaigns

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta has called for peaceful campaigns ahead of the next General Election.

Mr Kenyatta, who is also the Finance minister, asked politicians to engage in mature politics to avoid a repeat of chaos experienced after the 2007 elections.

He said the post-election violence was caused by reckless and greedy leaders who incited Kenyans to turn against each other after the outcome of the poll.

“We voted peacefully but unfortunately some leaders spread hatred among Kenyans and encouraged them to turn against each other but this should not happen again,” said the DPM.

Mr Kenyatta was speaking on Saturday at Githima Primary School grounds in Kigumo constituency during the burial ceremony of Mr Paxson Kamau Muchunu, father of area MP Jamleck Kamau.

The minister called for unity amongst all tribes in Kenya even as he rallied Mt Kenya region to nominate a single candidate to seek the presidency.

“We must decide who will be the flag bearer because if we go to the polls divided, we stand to lose,” he added.

He challenged the electorate in the region not only to seek unity amongst themselves but also to forge alliances with other regions.

Mr Kenyatta also asked coffee farmers to go back to their farms, urging them to take advantage of the recently released coffee waiver funds to increase yields.

Addressing mourners in the same event, several MPs, a minister and two assistant ministers also echoed the DPM’s call of unity saying no more blood should be shed in the country.

Minister for Gender and Social services Naomi Shaban asked the region to release Mr Kenyatta to campaign in other regions to enable him spread the gospel of peace while Kisumu Town West MP Alago Aluoch called for tolerance amongst Kenyans.

At the same time, several legislators from Murang’a, Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisii, and Taita Taveta promised to rally behind the Finance minister in his quest for the presidency.

They included Ms Shaban (Taita Taveta), Mr Walter Nyambati (Kitutu Masaba), Mr Elias Mbau (Maragua), Mr Muturi Mwangi (Kiharu) and Mr Maina Kamau (Kandara).

Those present

Others included Mr Lewis Nguyai (Kikuyu), Mr Clemet Wambugu (Mathioya), Mr David Njuguna (Lari), Mr Peter Mwathi (Limuru), Mr William Kabogo (Juja) and Mr Ferdinand Waititu (Embakasi).

They called for Kenyans to pray for Mr Kenyatta even as he awaits the ICC ruling on confirmation of charges against him and five other suspects over the 2007 post-election violence.

The politicians however avoided commenting on Friday’s High Court ruling on the General Election date.