Kibaki leads calls for peace and stability

President Kibaki on Monday led political and business leaders in making a resounding pitch for peaceful General Election and national stability next year.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka joined the Head of State in appealing to Kenyans to make sure the March 4, 2013 polls are peaceful, free and fair.

Mr Odinga said Coalition for Reforms and Democracy, which brings together ODM, Wiper and Ford-Kenya parties, would accept defeat if beaten fairly.

The President said all arms of government had played their roles to ensure the polls are free and fair.

He said Parliament had passed the required laws for the process; the Judiciary had provided direction on the election date and implementation of gender representation; while the Executive had facilitated the smooth running of the electoral commission by providing resources.

However, the President pointed out that Kenyans had a critical role to play to ensure a transparent transition.

“A peaceful, free and fair election cannot take place without the support of citizens as well as business and religious leaders,” he told a Joint Parliament and Kenya Private Sector Alliance Conference at Leisure Lodge in Ukunda, South Coast.

Mr Odinga described the current political alliances as democratic and healthy for the nation but cautioned leaders hell-bent on perpetuating tribalism.

“Our politics should be issue-based and idea driven, not one to stop one community from ascending to power,” he said.

He noted that in the past, Kenyan communities had been made believe that they would be poor if they do not produce a President, saying this must change.

“Political leaders should be elected on their credibility, integrity and ability,” he said.

Both Mr Odinga and Mr Kalonzo paid a glowing tribute to the President, saying he had done a lot during his tenure to improve infrastructure, the economy, food security, among other sectors.