In a televised address to Kenyans Friday, the President said winners should embrace victory with humility and immediately embark on nation building.
"Let us also appreciate that every election will produce winners and losers. To the men and women who shall be declared winners, I appeal to them to embrace victory with humility and to begin the journey of serving the people in earnest," said President Kibaki during his speech at State House, Nairobi.
"To those who will not win, your country still needs you. There are many other roles you can play in our development endeavours," he said.
The Head of State sent out a passionate appeal to Kenyans to maintain peace as they go to the polls.
He encouraged Kenyans to come out in large numbers and cast their votes in order to elect leaders who will steer the country to greater prosperity.
“This Monday, you as a voter has a date with destiny. In casting your vote, you will be exercising your democratic right and taking your place in history. By voting, you will be shaping the destiny of your country,” said the president.
“Therefore I encourage you to get out and vote to help shape the future of our nation,” he said.
He said that by voting peacefully, Kenyans will demonstrate that the country’s democracy has come of age.
He said that it was imperative that Kenyans consolidate the development strides so far achieved by ensuring a free, fair, just and peaceful election.
Noting that Monday’s election will be the first since the country passed the new constitution in 2010, President Kibaki called for a free and fair election.
He assured Kenyans that the government had mobilised enough security to ensure that the elections are peaceful.
“Let us also play our individual roles through tolerance and by embracing peace. We must guard our national unity and protect our homeland of Kenya,” he stated.
He noted that a peaceful vote will be a vote for a secure, prosperous and stable Kenya.
- Daily Nation
