Tanzania President John Magufuli. He told Kenyans on Tuesday through former President Jakaya Kikwete that they will determine the Kenya they want after elections. [Photo: lusakatimes.com]
Kenyans will by themselves decide whether there will be peace in the country or not after August 8 polls, former President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete has said.
Speaking on Tuesday at AIC Milimani Church during the requiem mass of the late former Cabinet Minister Nicholas Biwott, Kikwete said Tanzania stands with Kenya during this critical electioneering period.
"The President of Tanzania Dr John Pombe Magufuli has sent me to bring this goodwill message that he and we the people of Tanzania stand with you during this electioneering season. However, you should all remember that peace and tranquillity during and after elections is in your own hands," said Kikwete.
He urged President Uhuru Kenyatta who was represented by Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohammed, and Nasa flag bearer Raila Odinga who had attended the mass but left without addressing mourners to maintain peace saying Kenya's stability is in their hands.
"If Hon.Raila had not left I would have told him with President Uhuru that Kenya's stability after elections is with them. They are the ones to largely determine the aftermath of Kenya after elections. We pray that you choose to have a peaceful and stable Kenya and the Almighty will help you to achieve it," added Kikwete.
Kikwete's sentiments comes barely a week after former Tanzania Prime Minister Edward Lowassa echoed the same sentiments during the burial ceremony of the late Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery.