President Kenyatta has promised Kenyans that he will accept the outcome of the August 8 elections. The president made clear his commitment to having a peaceful change of power should he lose the election.
“We exhibit the highest degree of maturity to navigate this country through peace before and after the elections. We should not squander what millions of Kenyans dream of,” said President Kenyatta.“I’m ready to stand aside for a peaceful transition if beaten. I did the same in 2002 by conceding defeat even before the announcement of the final tally. I had to wait for my turn for another 10 years and here we are.
“I’m ready to stand aside for a peaceful transition if beaten. I did the same in 2002 by conceding defeat even before the announcement of the final tally. I had to wait for my turn for another 10 years and here we are.
The head of state asked all those vying for political seats to accept the choice of the people if beaten.
“I urge our competitors to also commit to accepting the verdict of the people if beaten,” the president added.
Uhuru, however, called for respect for independent constitutional bodies, raising concern over continued criticism directed at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by opposition alliance NASA.
“We should not engage IEBC in endless political battles. IEBC should be blemish-free and held in high esteem by the people they serve.
“Those who will not be happy with the outcome of the polls have a constitutional right to appeal. Any attack on IEBC is an attack on the guardian of democracy,” said the President.
The president assured Kenyans that Jubilee is committed to ensuring a peaceful campaign period. He added that the party will soon be signing a peace pledge.
“Kenyans are still suffering from the tragic consequences of the 2007/2008 post-election violence. We as leaders should desist from utterances which may create ethnic suspicion,” said the President.
“Our democracy was hard-won and should be unashamedly protected. We should show the world that we can govern ourselves,” added the President.