Politicians should not incite Kenyans in their hunt for votes

The debate on what Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga actually said at a political rally in Kajiado recently should be toned down to halt what is now coming out as a very emotive issue.

Jubilee politicians have since accused Odinga of incitement and called for his arrest and prosecution.

Odinga has however explained that his speech was linked to poverty, which he claims makes residents to sell their land on the cheap.

LOCALS THREATENED
It is not right for both the Jubilee team and Nasa politicians to make the utterances a campaign issue as that can be dangerous.

It is already being reported that threatening leaflets have been circulating in the county, telling people perceived as “outsiders” to leave.

Political leaders’ words can be fertile ground for violence.

Our peace is still very fragile since the 2007/2008 post-election violence and politicians should avoid this line of politicking.
DAVID M. KIGO, Nairobi.
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With a few weeks to the General Election, political incitement should not be tolerated at all.
Politicians across the political divide have been making what sounds like inciteful statements but, ironically, no legal action has been taken against them.

Those alleged to be inciting Kenyans should be investigated but also given the opportunity to explain their sentiments.

Jubilee and Nasa politicians should leave the investigative agencies alone to determine whether Raila Odinga’s remarks in Kajiado were offensive and not make it a campaign issue.

A. ABDALLAH, Nairobi.
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Politicians have, during this campaign period, violated all rules in relation to promoting peace in this country.

It is selfish for them to spark hatred and animosity among communities just for votes.

More saddening is that Kenyans will still elect such hate mongers.

IDPs
All communities are a part of this country and we should be defined by our nationality.

I would hate to see what happened in 1994 Rwanda happen in Kenya.

Many IDPs are yet to be resettled or compensated, yet our leaders are making hate speeches.

Just because you support a politician doesn’t make all their actions right.

SUSAN OTINA, Kisumu.
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In March, the NCIC, DCI and IEBC came together in what was termed a joint strategy to curb warmongering during campaigns.

However, politicians still utter words that are a threat to peace.

We have also seen Kenyans raid opponents’ rallies, causing chaos.

The question is, was the joint strategy just in word or was it meant to be put into action?

JOSEPH MACHARIA, Narok.

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IEBC must deliver fair polls to avert violence

I must commend the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for the preparations it is making for the August 8 polls.

What Kenyans want are fair elections.

My hope is that the commission will serve justice to the Kenyan voter as fairness and credible elections result in peaceful co-existence.

CREDIBLE PROCESS
This General Election has to be different from previous ones that had their fair share of shortcomings.

I believe the situation can be corrected by the electoral agency.

This election is a make or break affair not only for top presidential contenders but the IEBC as well.

As an agency that oversees elections, the IEBC has a duty to protect and this will be put to the test before and after August 8. The agency will either have made a name or dented its image.

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It should obey the wishes of the majority of voters and ensure the polls are not bungled.

A cloud of doubt hangs over the electoral agency due to issues such as the awarding of the ballot printing tender to the Dubai-based Al Ghurair firm.

The issue has been marked by controversy.

Nasa and the Catholic Church have opposed the decision to give the Dubai firm the go-ahead to print ballots.

The IEBC needs to act quickly to resolve this issue.

ERIC MUYOKHA CHEVOSE, Nairobi.

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Voters should hold candidates to account

During the campaigns, the voter should realise he is king.

He has the ability to control the campaigns.

We should make governor and MCA candidates promise not to use fuel guzzlers and suspend foreign trips while in office.

Voters should put to a stop the toxic tribal politics promoted by leaders.

Those dishing out cash are not leaders and do not deserve to be elected.

By doing this, we will not complain for the next five years.

ENOCK ONSANDO, Mombasa.