Presidential hopefuls call for peace, unity ahead of polls

By John Majau 

MERU; KENYA: Three presidential aspirants took their campaigns to the Meru County where they urged politicians to conduct peaceful campaigns to prevent plunging the country into political turmoil.

Speaking at the funeral service for the late Kirimi M’Muna who was a prominent businessman, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Eagle coalition partners Peter Kenneth and Raphael Tuju asked politicians to ensure the country is peaceful during elections.

They said it is the duty of the Government and every leader to enhance peace and security by preaching the same as the country approaches the first elections under the new Constitution.

“The greatest duty of the Government is to protect people and their property and security must be enhanced during the campaign period,” said Raila yesterday.

Kenneth said the Government should give priority to security because all Kenyans are taxpayers who should be protected.

Daily activity

He said criminals should never be given a chance to kill innocent people who are going about with their daily activities.

“Leaders should also shun abusive language and witch-hunting and instead embrace unity because we all need each other,” said Tuju.

Raila said police reforms must continue to enable them protect people’s lives and property.

Speaking at Kibirichia Boys High School in Buuri district, Raila said if the country had fully attained the police reforms, the country would not witness some of the criminal activities currently taking place.

He said the reforms are needed as the country gears up for the March 4 General Election.

“The Government will ensure insecurity issues in the country are addressed by giving them top priority and that Kenyans were safe during and after the elections,” he said.

The premier said he had written to the British Prime Minister requesting to facilitate the compensation of the Mau Mau fighters.

He regretted that majority of them might die before being compensated. Raila added the British premier has already responded to his letter but refused to give details until an appropriate time.