Kibaki tells Meru not to worry about future without him

President Kibaki on Saturday urged the Meru not to worry about a future without him as the Head of State and urged Kenyans to elect someone who will promote peace and development to succeed him.

The President said he was certain there would be a suitable person to take over from him after the next elections.

Speaking at St Pius seminary, Nkubu, during the Meru Catholic diocese centenary celebrations, President Kibaki said:

“Don’t be afraid (of the future). I don’t have doubts in my mind that just because we have so many talkative people coming here, you will not get a good person.

“Just think of what you want to achieve. Reflect on continuing with the work that we have started. Let us embrace love and remain united.”

He urged politicians to preach peace and cultivate cohesion among Kenyans during their campaigns.

He further asked the contestants who lose in the coming elections to concede defeat once the results are announced.

One winner

“We will have only one winner. Even if you disagree, one will be chosen for you. Not two or three. I am sure the elections will not be chaotic. We should not fail to agree among ourselves,” the Head of State said.

He urged the church to complement the government’s efforts in providing key services and help in ensuring peace. “The church remains an integral part of the social, economic and political development of our nation.

It should provide leadership to the process of national transformation of Kenya and the region, so that we can realise a friendly environment for positive growth and prosperity,” the President told the congregation.

The President said the 5th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region held in Kampala last week had charted a clear path for an integrated East African Community that will ease travel and business among the member states’ residents.

The President seemed to have been answering Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi, who had said the Meru community was “confused and afraid” of a future without him.

He said Mt Kenya region remained divided and risked being in the opposition due to their disjointed nature. “We are afraid of what will happen after you leave,” Mr Murungi said.

“We are filled with fear and uncertainty. Mt Kenya has 28 political parties some of which have just two members. Some are run by man and wife. We can only consolidate President Kibaki’s rule by joining hands.”

The minister urged the communities in the region to head in one political direction.

“We should be careful not to remember Kibaki and start crying after making mistakes in 2012,” warned the minister who hosted the President.

Mr Murungi said Meru professionals and elders would meet to choose the person who would inherit the Kibaki votes.

Mr Murungi, together with MPs Kilemi Mwiria, Peter Munya and Silas Muriuki praised the President saying the area had immensely benefited under his administration.