President Mwai Kibaki has urged Kenyans to shun politics of hatred and remain united even when there is political competition.
Speaking today during the funeral service for the late Mzee Joel Munyao Muithya at Kalawa in Makueni District, President Kibaki asked wananchi to embrace dialogue and respect other people's views to avoid creating enmity.
"As Kenyans we should remain united even when there is political competition. Creating enmity among us will not help in building this nation," President Kibaki said.
He urged politicians to put the country's welfare above personal interests, saying Kenya is larger than individuals.
In this regard, the President pointed out that for the last four and a half years the Government has been working towards putting the country back in the economic growth and development path and petty personal differences should not be allowed to derail those efforts.
President Kibaki cited the example of education and health sectors where remarkable development has been achieved through the introduction of the free primary education programme and provision of improved health care services in public health facilities.
The late Mzee Muithya who was buried at his Kalawa home had three wives and 21 children among them Livestock and Fisheries minister Joseph Munyao.
Mzee Muithya also had 105 grandchildren, 133 great grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
Paying tribute to the late Muithya 109 yrs, President Kibaki noted that his was a full life well lived.
The President added that he had known the Late Mzee Muithya for along time as dependable elder and his legacy is worthy emulating.
He prayed to God to give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Other speakers included, Ministers Munyao, Professor Kivutha Kibwana, Mutua Katuku, Njenga Karume, Dr. Noah Wekesa, and John Michuki.
Others were assistant ministers Kalembe Ndile, Dr. Wilfred Machage and Mwingi North MP Kalonzo Musyoka.
Also present were several MPs, Chief of General Staff General Jeremiah Kianga and senior government official among others.
