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Kenya

Kenya: VP calls for national cohesion

Narok, Oct. 19, 2008 - Vice President Kalonzo has called on Kenyans to rededicate themselves to peace and national cohesion as the country marks this year's Kenyatta Day. Mr. Musyoka said the greatest tribute Kenyans could pay to the freedom fighters who shed blood was by ensuring that the country will never again witness another politically-instigated violence like the post-election chaos.

''As we remember our freedom heroes who shed blood for this country, we should resolve never again to allow another bloodshed in the name of politics'', the Vice President added.

Calling on leaders to preach peace and reconciliation, Mr. Musyoka urged Kenyans to reject those who tried to incite them into violence or tribal animosity.

The Vice President said the grand coalition government was committed to serving all Kenyans equally, regardless of their political party affiliations.

He promised that the government will fulfil its promise to give Kenyans a new constitutional dispensation that will address current and future aspirations of the country.

Mr. Musyoka was speaking yesterday at Olorte trading centre, Loita divison of Narok South district where he addressed a public rally.

He advised the Masai community to take advantage of the free education programme from the government by taking their children to school.

The Vice President urged members of the community to discard cultural practices that denied their children, particularly, the girl-child access to education, singling out forced early marriages.

He said those who failed to take their children to school were breaking the law, and risked being prosecuted.

During the occasion, Mr. Musyoka launched a kitty to put up a boarding primary school in the area to cater for children from the pastoralist community.

He donated Kshs.100,000 and urged the local leaders and Constituency Development Fund to support the project.

On the area's security, Mr. Musyoka promised that a police post would be established in the township, and road and communications networks improved.

Addressing the meeting, Kangundo Member of Parliament Johnstone Muthama said a motion to review the salaries of civic leaders would soon be tabled in parliament.

He praised the important role councillors perform of spearheading development at the grassroots.