Kenya: President Kibaki decries poll violence

(SomaliNet) Kenyan President Kibaki on Sunday condemned election violence. In elections, there must be winners and losers after which life continues normally, said the Head of State.

The Kenyan leader said some people were even prepared to harm their friends or neighbours for the sake of politics.

“We know each other and have stayed as friends. It is very bad to cause violence because of elections which will come and go in one day. Let’s not plant tribalism and hate among the youth. Leaders should leave a sound legacy for the youth,” said President Kibaki.

Attack in Kisii

The President’s comments come after last Friday’s physical attack against ODM MPs William Ruto and Omingo Magara, and ODM parliamentary hopeful Chris Bichage, by supporters of Cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae in Kisii.

Mr Nyachae was captured on TV cameras talking to the armed men who took part in the attack shortly before ODM leaders arrived.

Mr Kibaki was speaking in Makadara Constituency, where he attended Mass at Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church.

Speaking after the Mass, he asked leaders not to let politics consume them since there were better things to do.

Area MP Reuben Ndolo sparked the anti-violence condemnation when he told the President that some Cabinet ministers were a liability and had let the country down by fanning political and tribal violence.

“Your Excellency, some ministers have really let you down and sadly, they are old men who should be of good conduct.

The people should forgive them because they have been overtaken by time... Let them resign honourably,” Mr Ndolo said.

The President said he saw no sense in violence and destruction of lives just because a few people wanted to become leaders.

He promised to visit all parts of Kenya to ask for votes so that he could get a second chance to lead Kenyans for the last time.

The Head of State asked the church leaders to pray for peace during this years General Election.

He repeated his promise that if re-elected for a second term, secondary education will be free.

However, he said, the public should be prepared to pay taxes to shoulder the extra burden.

He said cleanliness in the city and construction of houses should be enhanced.

President Kibaki said supply of drugs would be increased so that the public can enjoy free and affordable medication.

President Kibaki was accompanied by Sports Minister Maina Kamanda, MPs David Mwenje (Embakasi), Norman Nyagah (Kamukunji), Betty Tett (nominated), Nairobi Mayor Dick Wathika and his deputy Mr Ferdinand Waititu.

Mr Kamanda said all parties supporting the President will meet to agree on how to field candidates through the Party of National Unity (Panu).

He asked all aspirants in Nairobi, regardless of party affiliation, to conduct peaceful campaigns.

The Starehe MP said some people should not treat some areas as exclusively belonging to them, but allow everybody to campaign for votes without interference.

He said: “Mr Ndolo should tell his party members to let the campaigns be peaceful and we be allowed to campaign in places like Lang’ata. I welcome everybody to Starehe constituency.”
Rich vs poor.

Father Dominic Wamugunda delivered the sermon in which he decried the gap between the rich and the poor.
He said whether the country was economically and politically stable, it all amounted to misery when the rich cannot help the poor.

The priest called on all leaders to adopt strong Christian values capable of being reflected in their day to day lifestyle.

He condemned the political culture of telling lies and treachery. –Nation