31 August 2008
Nairobi — Retired president Daniel arap Moi is asking the Rift Valley Province residents who attacked their neighbours and destroyed properties to apologise for a national healing and reconciliation process to take course.
Mr Moi said on Saturday that he was a victim of the senseless post elections violence which rocked the country and led to death of more than 1,000 people and close to 350,000 displaced from their homes in one of the worst political mayhem in the country.
'We can not talk about reconciliation in a bedroom and those who know whatever they did should own up and apologize because one day we shall account for all what we did in this world before God and no lawyer would be able to defend you' Moi said.
He said the December polls, which was marred by ethnic violence would have been avoided if the residents upheld the rule of law and valued the importance of peace.
Mr Moi was speaking at a Nakuru Hotel during a National prayer breakfast meeting that was attended by nine members of parliament from the Province, three district commissioners and retired senior army officers, church leaders and business community.
The theme of the meeting was 'Towards peace and Reconciliation in Rift Valley Province'
The MPs who graced the occasion included Nelson Gaichuhia (Subukia), Mr Nderitu Mureithi (Laikipia West), Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Luka Kigen (Rongai), Moses Lesonet (Eldama Ravine), Magerer Langat (Kipkelion), Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru Town), Joseph Kiuna (Molo) and Mr Lucas Chepkitony (Keiyo North).
However, in an apparent reference to the 2012 elections, Mr Moi wants the Rift Valley MPs to join one party that will unite them and fight for their common interest.
Peace Valley
'There is nothing wrong if the MPs in the province join one party of their choice and speak in one voice ' Moi said.
During the meeting, clergymen and MPs proposed the renaming of the Rift Valley Province to the Peace Valley. 'From today this province should be called the Peace of Valley and not Rift Valley" declared Harry Das.
Harry Das sentiments were echoed by Molo MP Mr Joseph Kiuna said that the Province will speak in one voice as the Peace Valley.
CDK kitty
Mr Moi cautioned the young MPs in the province against misusing the CDF kitty saying their future re-election to parliament will depend on how transparent they will be in the management of the funds and its distribution in their constituencies.
Moi said the plight of the remaining internally displaced people in various camps should be expedited and compensation should be guaranteed to jumpstart their lives.
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