President Uhuru Kenyatta [PHOTO/nation.co.ke]
Insults and violence ahead of the August 8 elections will not increase anyone's vote, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
Speaking during the burial of Joseph Nkaissery, the president said that youths who repeatedly attack politicians at rallies must stop the acts.
This came after an incident where NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga's motorcade was on Thursday stoned in Thika town by rowdy youths.
"Mimi naomba wenzetu, Democrasia ni kuhurusu mtu anene yake hata kama huyapendi, wacha aseme," Uhuru said on Saturday.
(My request to Kenyans is that democracy is all about allowing people to speak their minds even when you don't like them)
He added that there was no need for any youth from all political quarters to pelt stones at leaders.
"...naomba supporters wangu na wa rafiki yangu Raila, hakuna haja ya kurusha mawe na matusi. Matusi haitaongeza kura, ngojea siku ya kura lakini usikize wote," he said.
(I urge our supporters and those of Raila to know that there is no need to throw stones and insult opponents. Insults will not add you any votes. Wait for election day then make a decision on who to back)
The visibly agitated president further told the 'stone throwers': "We don't have another Kenya."
"Wacheni wanasiasa waseme wanayosema, hata kama hukubaliani nayo. Uamuzi wako utafanya kwenye debe," he said.
(Let politicians say what they say even though you may disagree. Your decision can only be expressed at the ballot)