President Uhuru Kenyatta in Kajiado during an inter-ministries church service on April 29, 2017. [Photo/PSCU]
President Uhuru Kenyatta Saturday said his main aim is to entrench peace and unite the country.
Saying no country can develop without peace and unity, President Kenyatta called on all Kenyans to shun tribalism and live together in harmony.
“My main aim is to see Kenya peaceful and united because that way we will achieve greater things as a people and as a nation,” President Kenyatta said.
The President spoke when he joined the Maa Community for interdenominational prayers for the country at Ngatataek in Kajiado County. The annual prayers – that are in their 18th year – were organized by the Inter-Ministry Union (IMU) under the chairmanship of Bishop Peter Mangura and bring together churches in the Maa community regions.
President Kenyatta said the challenges facing the country will not be solved by divisive politics and tribalism but through unity of purpose and bringing people together.
“We are all Kenyans and we should use our diversity to prosper the country but not to fragment it,” President Kenyatta said.
The Head of State commended Kajiado residents for holding peaceful party nominations, saying that enabled them to pick the leaders they wanted without interference.
“We support the decision of the people and thank you for maintaining peace during the exercise,” President Kenyatta said.
The President also thanked the people of Kajiado for living in harmony despite the county being largely cosmopolitan, noting that the residents have never fought because of politics.
He appreciated the role played by the clergy in promoting peace in the county, saying their prayers have paid dividends and should be emulated by other religious leaders.
The prayers were led by Bishop Peter Mangura who also delivered the sermon.
The Bishop prayed for the President and for a peaceful electioneering period.
“I thank God that the country has witnessed peaceful primaries and we pray that the August elections will also be non-violent,” Bishop Mangura said.
He said the church has a duty to pray for peace and to be at the forefront in promoting harmony and national cohesion.
Other speakers included Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and Kajiado South Member of Parliament Katoo Ole Metito. Legislators Peris Tobiko (Kajiado East) and Joseph Manje (Kajiado North) were among a host of leaders from the county who joined the President for the prayers.