Uhuru urges Kenyans to resist electoral violence

By KARANJA NJOROGE

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta has asked Kenyans to scrutinise the development records of those seeking the Presidency and reject leaders full of empty rhetoric.

Uhuru said voters should elect leaders based on their actions and not mere words.

The DPM said President Kibaki, whose term in office ends next year, would leave office with his head held high due to his impressive development record.

"The President does not talk much but every Kenyan knows that he has performed well, having initiated projects in every corner of the country," Uhuru said.

Uhuru, who was speaking in Nakuru during a funds drive at Mukunga PCEA Church, told Rift Valley residents to resist attempts by leaders to incite them to violence.

He said the ethnic violence usually experienced in the area during election periods was as a result of incitement by some leaders.

Uhuru called on the residents to co-exist peacefully, saying Kenyans have a right to live and invest in any part of the country.

"The Constitution protects and guarantees the right of Kenyans to stay and conduct business in any part of the country," he added.

The Finance Minister maintained that he had nothing to do with post-election violence and asked Christians to pray so that the truth could prevail over the issue.

He said as the next election approaches, Kenyans should not allow themselves to be incited to violence due to political contest.

Uhuru said the Kenyan economy was on its way back to recovery after its growth slumped from seven per cent to almost one per cent, as a result of the violence.

The DPM, who was accompanied to the function by Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, appealed to youth to resist the temptation to enroll in outlawed groups, saying they should instead seek other ways to uplift their station in life.

Mr Kioni lauded Uhuru, saying under his reign as the Finance Minister, the economy had improved.

The MP said the minister had introduced specific policies geared towards addressing the plight of youth and other ordinary Kenyans.

He said contrary to assertions by his critics, Uhuru played a key role in the realisation of a new Constitution especially during the Naivasha talks where the document was midwifed.