Moi asks leaders to seek dialogue

By Beatrice Obwocha and James Munyeki

Former President Moi has urged the country’s top leadership to dialogue for the sake of development and stability.

Speaking during a peace rally in Nyahururu, Moi said leaders had taken to bickering over who has more powers over whom instead of serving Kenyans.

"All parties should come together and discuss the direction the country should take in terms of development, a nation is not about one, two or three people," he said.

Former President Moi with Mungiki leader Maina Njenga during a peace rally at Nyahururu Municipal Stadium, on Saturday. Photo: Boniface Thuku/Standard

In apparent reference to the stand off between President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the former Head of State said there was no need for hatred among leaders.

Moi added that the war on corruption would be won if the salaries of civil servants in middle level job groups were improved.

"These people earn Sh10,000 and they have children in school and colleges. Their salaries need to be reviewed else it will be difficult to eradicate corruption," he said.

Peace rally

Moi and former Mungiki sect leader Maina Njenga held a joint peace rally on Saturday at Nyahururu Municipal Stadium. The rally was attended by about 5,000 people.

The two led youth from the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities in embracing each other as a sign of forgiveness and agreeing to live together.

Maina termed the meeting the Nyahururu Declaration’ where youth have vowed not to be used to perpetrate violence.

"The youth are the foundation of the nation and it is our duty to educate them on importance of peace," said Maina.

Maina said he was selected a peace ambassador by church leaders and youth during a national forum held in Thogoto, two weeks ago. He said the Nyahururu meeting was the first since the Thogoto event.

"There are those who claim this is politics but I want to tell them that I stand for peace and I wish they could join me in reconciling the country instead of politicking ahead of 2012," said Maina.

Leaders who spoke earlier urged him to vie for presidency in 2012 but Maina said he was focused on peace and will decide when election nears.

Threats

He warned that there were people posing as Mungiki and sending threatening messages to people.

He said former Mungiki members who have abandoned their criminal ways and accepted Christ would help police in arresting the people sending the threats.

"There are people who are not happy that Mungiki no longer exists and are threatening people so as to give the reformed youth a bad name. We will not allow this," he said.

Leaders who attended the meeting include former MPs GG Kariuki, Mark Too, Paul Sang, politicians Ezekiel Barngetuny, Kimani Ngunjiri and Kanu chairmen from Rift Valley and Central provinces.