Kenyans pray for peaceful vote

By Caleb Mutua

Six presidential candidates joined hundreds of Kenyans to fast and pray for peaceful elections as March 4 close in.

Led by Dr Edward Owuor, presidential aspirants Uhuru Kenyatta (Jubilee), Raila Odinga (Cord), Peter Kenneth (Eagle alliance), Martha Karua (Nark Kenya), James Ole Kiyiapi (RBK) and Mohamed Abduba Dida (ARK) all pledges to battle it out peacefully.

There is tension after reports indicated that some Kenyans had begun to arm themselves in case of a repeat of the 2007/2008 election chaos that left at least 1300 Kenyans dead and over 600,000 internally displaced.

Jubilee coalition flagbearer Uhuru Kenyatta, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, called for a free-vote.

Mr Kenneth stressed that the real winners of the historic vote will be Kenyans if the elections are conducted freely, fairly and peacefully.

Musalia Mudavadi of Amani coalition and Paul Muite of Safina party did not attend the payer session.

First published in February 2013.