Uhuru Kenyatta addressing Kenyans who attended the Madaraka celebrations in Nyeri. [Photo/PSCU]
President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured Kenyans that the government will protect their right to exercise their choice in the coming election.
He said security apparatus will remain vigilant and ready to deal with acts of lawlessness and asked Kenyans to reject politics of division and vote for peace.
“Keep faith that we will renew this nation, for we are a people of faith, and we believe that justice will prevail; that peace will prevail; and that the people of Kenya will prevail,” he said on Thursday in Nyeri.
The President observed that Kenya is 45 million strong and should remain united as one family.
“Elections will come and go; we must remain one. Protect the house we have built and are building. That way, no matter the outcome, we will all win,” the President urged all Kenyans.
President Kenyatta underscored the need for Kenyans to reject leaders obsessed with using the conflicts of the past to divide Kenyans instead of spearheading unity to move the country forward.
“Let every Kenyan remember the history of our country, and what it has taught us of the dangers of divide and rule – of breaking the people apart, all for the gain of the few,” President Kenyatta said.
He reminded citizens that Kenya is a young nation with great potential and its politics must be shaped by a desire to propel the country forward for prosperity.
The President called for redoubling of efforts to instill in the youth a deep sense of patriotism and an appreciation of the gift to be a Kenyan.
“I am proud to be a Kenyan in 2017. How privileged I feel to be your President in this period of promise; how blessed to be a Kenyan as our nation rises to the heights our forefathers foretold,” the President said.
He said every tool must be used to banish ethnicity and discrimination in any form.
“I know that there is far more to be done, but I have immense faith in the greatness of our people. After all, we have already overcome challenges greater than any that lie before us,” he said.