Former President Mwai Kibaki calls for tolerance amid heated politics

Othaya MP Mary Wambui (left) her Nyeri counterpart Esther Murugi (center) share a light moment with Former President Mwai Kibaki (right) during the funera service for the late Ex Councillor Anne Wakarima Wambugu (a sister to Othaya MP Mary Wambui) during the funeral service held at the P. C. E. A. Gatugi in Othaya, Nyeri County, November 13, 2015. [PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD]

Former President Mwai Kibaki has called on all leaders to listen to each other for the sake of peace and development.

Kibaki also urged Kenyans to pray for their leaders so that they lead with wisdom.

Speaking at Gatugi PCEA Church yesterday during the burial of Ann Wambugu, sister to Othaya MP Mary Wambui, Kibaki said Kenya needs God's guidance and intervention.

“If you pray and believe in God, He will give you wisdom. You cannot lie to God no matter what, since He knows you better than you know yourself,” Kibaki said.

The retired President said Kenya was poised for great days ahead if Kenyans prayed for their leaders and for each other.

In an apparent reference to the boiling political temperatures, Kibaki asked Kenyans to listen to divergent political views and exercise tolerance regardless of their political differences.

“Listen to the voices of those people who differ with you in ideology. They can say something that is beneficial to you,” he advised.

The former Head of State also appealed to wananchi to pray for those who cannot stand the government and its leaders, noting that such prayers can change their attitudes.

“Prayers can change things and it is the high time Kenyans prayed for those against their leaders,” he said.

Although Kibaki preached a conciliatory message, other leaders took on Opposition leaders head on.

Politician Wambui and Juja MP Francis Waititu tore into the CORD leadership for what they termed unending criticism of the Jubilee coalition. Wambui said the opposition has perfected the art of fighting the government for no apparent reason.