NASA principals during a past rally. Photo/the-star.co.ke
President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the opposition to give the IEBC space to operate so that its independence can be bolstered and ensure vital public trust.
“We must not be chipping at its body with constant negative rhetoric that undermine its credibility in the court of public opinion,” said the President
He said the electoral body has the responsibility to be accountable to the people of Kenya and must thus not be harried by politicians, or marred by partisan political warfare that taints its foundation.
“In our constitution they alone are granted the right to tally and announce results on behalf of the people whom they have been appointed to represent,” said the President.
The President said the memories of 2007 should serve as a warning to politicians who are egging Kenyans to engage in confrontations.
“It is the constant preaching of an ideology of hate premised on ethnicity or religion that create the base for suspicions that compel an otherwise normal person to turn against his neighbour,” said the President as he urged politicians to be mindful of the ordinary Kenyans who will become the victims.
He said politicians should lead by example and give Kenyans the peace of mind that they deserve.
“This means committing to non-violence. This means standing up for those who have been disenfranchised, and standing up to those who wish to disenfranchise. This means showing the world, proudly, that we are more than fit to govern ourselves, more than fit to care for each other and more than fit to make big decisions, together,” said the President.
The President said he is committed to peace and stability of Kenya and he will never mortgage that principle for any false gain.
He called on those who will lose to use the option provided in the Constitution of seeking redress in the courts.
He said politicians should show maturity and exhibit to the world that Kenyans can manage their affairs.
“We must exhibit the maturity and skills to navigate this country through its challenges in peace for our sake, our children and our children’s children,” said the President.
President Kenyatta said those running against him should declare and be ready to concede defeat, adding that conceding defeat shows political maturity.
“I urge all contenders in this election to conduct themselves with the humility and decorum public office not only demands of its actors, but desperately needs if we are to continue to grow as a nation,” said the President, adding he himself had conceded defeat in 2002 and became President a decade later.