.President Kibaki speaks during past Kenyatta Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi President Kibaki on Friday hinted that he will not interfere with the election of his successor. He said it was up to voters to pick a person of their choice, seemingly allaying any fears that he may pick a successor.Photo/REUTERS
By OLIVER MUSEMBI, newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com and pps
Posted Friday, July 22 2011 at 19:58
Posted Friday, July 22 2011 at 19:58
President Kibaki on Friday hinted that he will not interfere with the election of his successor.
He said it was up to voters to pick a person of their choice, seemingly allaying any fears that he may pick a successor.
He said it was up to voters to pick a person of their choice, seemingly allaying any fears that he may pick a successor.
“I will not be seeking re-election and it is up to Kenyans to choose whoever they want,” he told mourners during the burial of Archbishop Samson Mwangi Gaitho of the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa in Ruiru.
The President, who was accompanied by six Cabinet ministers and several MPs, said: “We cannot elect 10 people, only one person will be elected.”
At the same time, he said it was too early to start campaigning for the 2012 elections.
He told politicians that they should instead tackle the problems facing Kenyans, including drought, famine and unemployment.
He told politicians that they should instead tackle the problems facing Kenyans, including drought, famine and unemployment.
The Head of State told those who will be vying for the presidency to conduct peaceful campaigns when the time comes and avoid disuniting Kenyans or inciting them to violence.
“It is not going to be the first general election since elections come and go, but the country must remain united,” said the President.
He criticised politicians for turning burials into campaign fora, saying people should respect such occasions and stick to the agenda.
“Hii unazungumza hapa si ya maana, wakati mwingine tukialikwa mahali kama hapa tuzungumzie mambo haya (Whatever you are saying here is insignificant, next time one is invited to a place like this stick to the program),” he said.
“Hii unazungumza hapa si ya maana, wakati mwingine tukialikwa mahali kama hapa tuzungumzie mambo haya (Whatever you are saying here is insignificant, next time one is invited to a place like this stick to the program),” he said.
The President appeared to have been upset by political remarks by leaders who spoke before him, including Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu, who said lack of unity by people from the Mt Kenya region had made them lose seats in Nairobi. The MP spoke on the importance of these communities fielding one candidate for various elective posts in the capital.
MP Musikari Kombo said the President should ensure his legacy remains intact by ensuring that the new Constitution is implemented.
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