When President Uhuru Kenyatta took to the podium to address Kenyans at Afraha stadium recently during the thanksgiving prayers for the former “Ocampo six”, he was quick to assure all and sundry that his government will be vigilant so that the occurrences akin to those of 2007-08 after the general elections will not recur by ensuring security measures were fully in place before and after the next general elections.
“We are not here to celebrate but to remember the lives that were lost eight years ago.” The president said adding that the country was rededicating its efforts towards reconciliation and working towards overcoming the challenges of poverty, ignorance and poor health which still ailed the society.
“By the grace of God justice has been delivered… our concern today is reconciliation. I call upon all of you to embrace reconciliation both individually and as a country.” He urged Kenyans.
He added, “We have come a long journey and a painful one and as leaders we have agreed that we shall not walk that road again where Kenyans will fight because of politics”.
He urged that even the leaders in opposition should strive to unite all Kenyans and sell their manifesto peacefully.
READ MORE
It's a sham, UDA members and contestants say of party primaries
Togo split over controversial reform on eve of vote
He also called on election losers to wait for their time peacefully without inciting supporters to acts of violence.
“Anyone who incites Kenyans into violence acts shall be dealt with firmly in accordance to the full force of law irrespective of being either in government or the opposition.” The president warned.
While quoting Genesis 12:2 in the Bible “I will make you a great nation”, the president said his government will ensure that every post-election violence victim shall be compensated to enable them continue with normal life.
On his part the Deputy President William Ruto hailed the Jubilee pact saying that it was meant to unite all Kenyans and it will continue to pursue that endeavor.
“Kenya is a great and forgiving nation. When we joined together with the president here before the last general election we were seen as jokers but as people of Central and Rift Valley we have worked together and we are looking forward to working with all Kenyans. God is great and faithful.” The DP said.
He noted that the government will continue reconciling Kenyans and ensuring that no one community shall fight against the other again.
“We must say no to hate that separates our people.” He warned.
He maintained that trust in God is what has propelled them to safety from the ICC cases.
“We trusted in God and were unapologetic about our belief in God and prayed to God both in public and in private.” He pointed out. He called on Kenyans to trust in God and move forward in all aspects of life.
Now that the ICC issue is slowly diminishing the great issue is the resettlement of post-election violence (PEV) victims who are still remaining in camps and with both president and his deputy committed to that course through their utterances Kenya could be on its way to justice for all who were affected by 2007-08 post elections violence.
