ODM leader Raila Odinga. [Photo/ Africa World Media Ltd]
NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga has been asked to stop inciting Kenyans to turn against each other by bringing up topics that touch on old wounds in volatile areas. Victims of Kiambaa Church arson during the 2007/08 post-election violence have instead urged all politicians seeking office to promote peace and reconciliation when campaigning. “We ask leaders to weigh their words carefully when campaigning in cosmopolitan regions such as Kajiado and Uasin Gishu,” one member of the group said, as quoted by the Star. This comes days after Raila was put on the spot for appearing to ask members of the Maasai community in Kajiado to stop selling land to people from other areas who want to 'invade the county'. The chairman of the victims, Joseph Githuka, said the recent statements issued by some leaders were likely to cause chaos. “We do not want to hear of those ICC cases again," he said. "We must heal as a country and leave together especially here in Rift Valley which was worst affected by poll violence,” Mr Githuka said. This followed Deputy President William Ruto’s claim that Raila was planning to take the Jubilee leaders to the International Criminal Court (ICC) should NASA win the presidential election on August 8. During the 2007/08 post election violence, 38 people were burnt to death at Eldoret-based Kiambaa Church.