Opposition Chief Raila Odinga has been challenged by Jubilee’s Uhuru Kenyatta to concede defeat should Jubilee win the August 8 polls.
He said his opponents should show their maturity by conceding defeat if he trounces them in the polls.
“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 Uhuru
The President spoke through a live online address from Eldoret State Lodge on Tuesday during the ongoing the National Elections Conference at the KICC.
Uhuru also said his opponents should commit to fostering peace and harmony during this electioneering period.
He underscored that democracy can only thrive if all players in the political arena work towards safeguarding peace during elections.
“No politician should be allowed to insist that they either have the country or else they destroy it,” said the President.
Uhuru sounded a warning to politicians with loose tongues to fall back to the memories of 2007 and see what incitement cost the country and its people.
“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 neighbor,” said Uhuru.
“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.”
He said he will sign a document from IEBC committing that his party, Jubilee, will foster peace throughout the electioneering period.
On matters IEBC, Uhuru told the opposition to respect the commission as it plays an important role in promoting Kenya’s democracy.
He said the commission should be given space to operate without interference from certain political quarters.
“We must not be chipping at its body with constant negative rhetoric that undermines its credibility in the court of public opinion.”
“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,” he went on.
His statement on IEBC interference was informed by a court battle between IEBC and NASA.
IEBC moved to the Appeal’s Court after a High Court ruling indicated that Presidential results at the constituency level would be final.