President Kenyatta: I pray that we accept whoever wins in August

President Uhuru Kenyatta has called upon politicians seeking elective seats in the upcoming August polls to concede defeat in order to ensure a smooth transition of power.

Speaking on Thursday during the National Prayer Breakfast meeting in Nairobi, the Head of State who has already termed Azimio La Umoja flagbearer as his preferred successor said leaders should not incite voters to stir violence after losing.

“I wish everyone who is vying the best of luck knowing that they will always be one winner and our prayer is that we shall accept and be able to move forward and leave to fight another day,” said President Kenyatta.

He further pledged to hand over power to whoever will emerge winner in the polls.

“We are aware that the tempo of our politics is beating at an increasing rate day by day. We know the task of building a nation is passed from generation to generation. I intend to do just that,” he said.

“My earnest prayer is that this unity of purpose and our shared humanity that has been displayed today will endure in every aspect of our lives going forward.”

Added the President: “My wish is to wish all of you peace. Mine is to wish you all will end up much more united and stronger after this election than ever before.”

This year’s prayer breakfast was hosted by the Parliament under the theme ‘Transitions’, coming just over two months before the country heads to the ballot.

The clergy was at the helm of activities, with very minimal presence of politicians on the stage.

Among the men of cloth in attendance were Bishop Dr. David Oginde of the Evangelical Association of Kenya, Reverend Dr. Jeremy Marambi of the SDA Church and Shrimati Sujata Kotamraju of the Hindu Council of Kenya.

ACK’s Archbishop Dr. Jackson ole Sapit, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Roman Catholic church and Dr. Sheikh Abdullahi Bundid who is the Chairman of the Association of Muslim University Chaplains also gave keynote addresses.

Government leaders in attendance were Deputy President William Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome, as well as other invited foreign dignitaries and local officials.