Raila, Uhuru vow to keep peace after elections

By STANDARD TEAM

Nairobi, Kenya: Prime Minister Raila Odinga has reiterated that today’s elections would be historic and urged voters to maintain peace.

Raila said God would guide the people to make the right choice of leaders to steer the country for the next five years. “We have no choice other than making the right choice this time round. We urge all Kenyans to go to the polling stations, cast their votes and go home to wait for the results,” said Raila after prayers presided over by Bishop Joseph Ogutu of St John’s Everlasting Gospel Church in Imara Daima, Nairobi.

He said blood should never be shed again because of politics, adding he was optimistic the polls would be peaceful. The Premier likened the journey of Kenya from independence to date with the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt heading to Canaan, saying the time for crossing River Jordan is today.

He said Kenyans had wandered in the wilderness for 50 years and it was now time for them to choose whether to go back to Egypt or to cross the river into the land of milk and honey — Canaan.

“Kenyans have been wandering in the wilderness and it is now their time to make the right choice of whether to cross the river or go back to Egypt,” said Raila during the prayer service. Accompanied by his wife Ida, the PM said prophets of doom should stop casting negative aspersions that there would be violence and instead preach peace. Ida said Kenyans should remain united and continue to pray for peace and God’s guidance as people cast their votes.

At the same time, Jubilee alliance leaders Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto have urged Kenyans to respect the decision the electorate will make after today’s General Election.

Uhuru, who is eyeing the presidency, has reiterated he will concede defeat if he loses in today’s polls and would support the winner.

He challenged his opponents to do the same in respect of the will of Kenyans. Speaking at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu where they attended prayers ahead of the elections, the leaders said it was important for Kenyans to remain peaceful after the polls.

They said the electorate should respect the principle of democracy that whoever garners the majority vote is the winner.

 “The decision Kenyans will make will be God’s decision and it is important that we respect it. That is what we stand for and we ask all Kenyans to accept this,” said Uhuru.

Uhuru said he had overcome strong opposition and challenges to be on the ballot, exuding confidence he would triumph after the vote count. “It has been a long journey. I believe the road we have gone through has been God’s grace and we trust He will continue being our guide,” he said. Ruto urged the Kiambu electorate “to turn up in large numbers and support your man”.

Kiambu County, which is Uhuru’s backyard and stronghold, has over 800,000 registered voters, which the Jubilee team has been solidifying to its bloc basket. Ruto urged faithful to lead by example by turning out in large numbers to show support for Uhuru and his team eyeing various seats.

“Even the Bible tells us that Jesus directed that the gospel must begin from Jerusalem. Kiambu is our Jerusalem and from there the word will be taken to Judea, Samaria and everywhere else,” he said.

Ruto added: “What we are expecting from you is that you fully support this man (Uhuru).” The alliance’s deputy president designate said he strongly believes that God will grant Kenya its rightful leaders.

“We are confident God will install the true leaders that this country deserves. A leadership that will give honour and glory to God,” said Ruto.