Candidates in last push to win Kenyan voters

Category: News Published on Sunday, 03 March 2013 02:46 Written by Austine Odo, Nairobi, Kenya Hits: 571

Kenya’s presidential candidates were in last ditch campaign rallies yesterday to win voters for tomorrow’s election as President Mwai Kibaki went on national television previous night to appeal to Kenyans to vote peacefully and shape the country’s future.

Carnival-like campaigns were held by Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) presidential candidate Raila Odinga at the Nyayo Stadium and the Jubilee presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta at the nearby Uhuru Park, all in Nairobi.
In his televised address, President Kibaki remarked that every election produces winners and losers, and appealed to eventual winners to embrace victory with humility and begin the journey to serve the people in earnest just as losers will still be needed by the country as there are many other roles they can play in the country’s development.
The president said it is through peace that the country can realize development and Kenyans must consolidate the country’s development strides by ensuring a free, fair, just and peaceful election.
“Let’s send a clear message to the world that our democracy has come of age. A peaceful vote is a vote for a secure, prosperous and stable Kenya… Remember, Monday March 4 is your date with destiny. Cast your vote and keep the peace,” he said.
Prime Minster Raila Odinga rounded off his earlier campaigns in Kisumu County by appealing passionately to voters to support his bid, saying the voters have the power to determine the destiny of the country.            
“I want you to have a date with destiny. You have been given a chance to tell your grandchildren in future that you participated in the rebirth of Kenya,” he said.
At Homa Bay, Uhuru Kenyatta of the Jubilee Coalition urged voters to elect a young president to improve the country’s economy.
“Old men should go home because we are at an opportune moment for young people to acquire leadership to allow fresh ideas which will improve the economy. I’m ready to serve your interests when you elect me on Monday”.
Amid fears of possible electoral violence as was the case in the last election in 2007, Kenyans who spoke to Sunday Trust in Nairobi yesterday expressed hope that the president’s call for peace will be heeded by all candidates.
Many are making their way out of the capital to cast their ballot just some are stocking up food in the event of a stand-off.