Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for peace amidst political tensions in the country mainly instigated by the recent impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking during an interview with radio presenters on Milele FM as part of his 63rd birthday celebration, the former Head of State urged Kenyans to remain calm, exercise unity, and love each other regardless of each other's shortcomings.
According to Kenyatta, the unity of the Kenyan people was of much significance, especially in ensuring the country forged ahead in terms of socio-economic growth and development.
"Nowadays I don't talk much. I just want to wish Kenyans peaceful coexistence and unity. Let us acknowledge the fact that all of us are human beings and that all of us have shortcomings," the former president commented.
"I am grateful to God for my age. Nowadays I don't have much to say. We are all humans with needs. Let us stop the quarrels and fights. Let us love each other and unite as Kenyans."
Uhuru further revealed that he stopped consuming roasted meat due to frequent health problems which forced him to stop the consumption of the delicious grilled meat.
He also attributed the decision to his old age which he noted came with immense challenges especially healthwise. "Don't make me laugh, I prefer nyama choma but because of aging, consuming it has become a problem for my health," Uhuru revealed.
While addressing the reason for not celebrating his 63rd birthday alongside friends and family members, the former president disclosed that he was currently on a mission in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's latest message to Kenyans comes hardly a day after he travelled to Côte d’Ivoire to attend the 15th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security, and Stability in Africa.
The event which took place on October 25, brought together prominent African Union (AU) Commission leadership, Special Representatives, Heads of Regional Economic Communities and Mechanisms (RECs) and international envoys to discuss the future of conflict resolution and peacebuilding on the continent.
The summit focused on preventive diplomacy and mediation as vital tools in maintaining peace amidst emerging security challenges. During his visit to the West African nation, Uhuru Kenyatta called for unified, self-sustained peace efforts, emphasizing the need for Africa to fund and support its peace initiatives and the importance of African-led, sustainable solutions.
“If we truly want sustainable solutions that are African-born and led, we can’t do that if we are not in a position to back what we do through the resources that we generate,” he stated.
He highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, noting that Africa cannot realize true integration unless it addresses challenges related to ethnicity, religious conflicts and resource disputes.
