Sunday, July 24, 2011

Uhuru, Ruto call for peace ahead of polls

Written By:Glena Nyamwaya,    Posted: Sat, Jul 23, 2011

Deputy Premier Uhuru Kenyatta and newly found ally William Ruto vowed to continue supporting the peace process ahead of the 2012 polls
The alliance between Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto ahead of the 2012 general elections went a notch higher after the Kalenjin and GEMA council of elders hosted the pair on Saturday.

Minister Chirau Mwakwere and a host of church leaders from the two communities also attended the meeting held at a Naivasha hotel.

The duo promised to unite for the sake of peace in the volatile area of Rift Valley and make sure that no blood was shed as it happened after the last general elections.

According to sources who attended the closed door meeting, Uhuru and Ruto who addressed the elders promised to unite ahead of the general elections.

The source cited that Ruto said that he was committed to the initiate to find a lasting solution in the region.
He called for a solid foundation to make sure that no more blood was shed adding that this would make life easier.
Speaking to the press, Uhuru said that the meeting was meant to address political violence that hit Rift Valley after every general election.

"We have said no to violence in this region due to political differences and we are committed to this cause," he said.

The Deputy PM shied off from politics adding that he and other like-minded leaders would continue to support the peace process.

Mwakwere termed the meeting as a 'deep and close' consultative forum meant to unite Kenyans ahead of next year's general elections and beyond.

"This is a normal meeting meant to unite all Kenyans and it will go on for the benefit of the country and all tribes," said Mwakwere.
In a press release read by Dr. Stephen Karau, the convention agreed on a road map to durable peace in the region.
The elders also agreed to hold joint meetings in Rift valley in a bid to find a lasting solution to the problems affecting its people
Political strategist Prof. Peter Kagwanja who attended the meeting said that the elders had vowed that no violence would erupt in the region again.

"Uhuru and Ruto told the elders that they were ready to lead from the front for lasting peace in Rift Valley," he said.

Notable during the meeting were former Kenya Airports Authority MD George Muhoho, embattled Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission chair Bethwel Kiplagat, former MP Mark Mwithaga, among others.

No comments:

Post a Comment