Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the Church and Kenyans to pray for the country’s peace and unity.
The former President spoke on Saturday when he attended the episcopal consecration and installation of Bishop-elect Monsignor Peter Kimani as the Catholic Bishop of Embu Diocese.
Uhuru cautioned against tribalism and called for love towards one another.
“Tuombee nchi yetu. Tuombee amani. Tuombee uwiano kati ya viongozi na wananchi”, Uhuru said.
(Let’s pray for our country. Let’s pray for peace. Let’s pray for cohesion between leaders and citizens)
He added, “Kenya haiwezi kufaulu watu wakiwa na utengamano, wakitupiana maneno, wakiwa hawaheshimiani. Viongozi pia muheshimu wananchi na wao watarudisha hiyo heshima”.
(Kenya cannot succeed if people are divided, insulting one another, disrespecting each another. Leaders must also respect citizens so that they can also be respected)
The ceremony, which was also attended to by President William Ruto, his deputy Kithure Kindiki and impeached Deputy President Righathi Gachagua was held at the University of Embu grounds in Embu county.
Gachagua was the first to arrive at the ceremony while in the company of a section of Mt Kenya politicians.
Moments later, President Ruto arrived at the event in the company of his deputy, Kithure Kindiki.
Former head of state followed as he joined the congregants in witnessing the consecration of Bishop Kimani.
It was the first time Uhuru shared a podium with Ruto in Kenya since he left office. Since leaving office, Uhuru has avoided public meetings locally and has only been seen when leading regional peace efforts where he is a special envoy.
"Sikuhisi sina mambo memngi, nikuangalia tu TV na kusikiliza radio. (Nowadays I don't have much to say, I only watch the TV and listen to radio)," he said.
Last month, Uhuru attended the 15th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa to held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
