By Digital Reporter
NAIROBI,KENYA: Prime Minister Raila Odinga has appealed to Kenyans to be calm after the parties primaries that was marred with chaos in some counties.
Raila said losers should embrace winners and campaign peacefully.
“To all the people of Kenya, I urge calm and reconciliation now that the primaries are over,” he said on Tuesday.
He said his wish is to see an end to all hostilities that may have arisen out of the strong demand for the various tickets.
“Elections and nominations must never divide us or make us go to war. They should strengthen our march towards democracy and national unity,” he said.
Raila congratulated candidates who won tickets on parties under cord and urged the supporters of the coalition to maintain peace after primaries.
“The huge interest in the alliance’s ticket was clearly a manifestation of the strong desire for change and the belief that CORD is the force for change in the country,” he said.
The PM said he will work closely with all the winners to ensure Cord secures a decisive victory on March 4.
He regretted incidences of violence witnessed in Kisumu, Migori and Homabay counties during the nominations but downplayed its impact on Cord campaigns.
“Let us focus on issues, not personalities. Let us focus on what is good for our country, not what would work for tribes and regions. Let us mobilise votes on a national and not a tribal agenda,” said Raila.
The PM at the same time asked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to reign in voter bribery ahead of the March 4 elections.
He also appealed to Kenyans to create an enabling environment for our female candidates in this campaign.
"Nobody should use violence, blackmail, intimidation or any other crude means against female candidates," he said.
Raila’s appeal comes days after violence marred ODM nominations in Kisumu, Migori and Homabay counties.
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Protesters lit bonfires on roads and demonstrated claiming the exercise were not transparent and fair.
The move saw Raila’s sister, Ruth Odinga step down from Kisumu gubernatorial race.
Raila’s brother, Oburu Odinga was also dropped out of the Siaya governor race after disputes.
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