Peaceful polls good tribute to Saitoti
Today is the last of three national mourning days following the deaths of Internal Security minister George Saitoti, his assistant Joshua Orwa Ojode, and four others in a chopper crash in the Ngong Forest.
So many messages of condolence have been expressed with most mourners describing the fallen leaders as individuals of virtue, intelligence, diligence, and dedication.
The inevitable question is whether the two ministers had to leave us so soon – at a time we needed them most?
Just before their untimely deaths, the two had attended a forum on peaceful elections in Mombasa. It is still fresh in our minds how Prof Saitoti emphasised the need for having peace during the polls. He maintained, and I agree, the world is watching and Kenyans are not ready for the 2008 experience of election violence.
This shows how dedicated he was in ensuring a peaceful Kenya. There is no doubt Saitoti and his assistant had great plans for the Provincial Administration and Internal Security ministry and understood their role in maintaining law and order during elections. Thus, their deaths are indeed a blow to the nation.
Therefore, as we mourn their passing on, we should honour them in an immense way. As Prime Minister Raila Odinga said during the Monday Cabinet meeting, ensuring peaceful elections is the best gift we could give to the two.
Our leaders must therefore ensure this is achieved. They should make sure that the fallen ministers’ wishes for peaceful elections and country are fulfilled.
God bless Kenya and rest their souls in eternal peace.
{Nixon Kanali, Nairobi}
