Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Naivasha with his party members on the ODM Reloaded Caravan. The PM called for peaceful campaigns. [ Photo | PMPS]

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for mature, issue-based politics in the run-up to the general elections to avoid actions that arouse ethnic tensions likely to spark violence.

He challenged politicians to tone down ethnic rhetoric for the sake of national unity.

The PM noted that tribal talk during the campaigns was the basis for tension and intolerance among communities.

“As we move towards the general elections, we must do everything possible to avoid politics of hostile ethnic polarisation that lead to clashes similar to what the country witnessed in the previous election,” he said.

The PM said this on Saturdaywhile addressing wanainchi at Karuturi stadium in Naivasha-a spot that suffered immensely from the infamous 2008 post election violence.

He stated that the government was working out mechanisms that will render election violence a thing of the past.

But he added that citizens also have the chance to save the country from slipping into the culture of hate and violence.

He said that they should encourage ideology based politics that will provide a chance to children to grown up in a peaceful society where people respect and love each other.

The Premier therefore stated that time has come when kenyans must say a firm no to the shameless and cheap propaganda and hate speech that have no room in the democracy that the country craves for.

This he said will be achieved when Kenyans reject the captains of hate and injustice.

He also told Kenyans to condemn ethnic-based political alliances that are emerging in the run up to the general election.

Dr Odinga said that the nature of tribal groupings like Gema and Kamatusa was very patronizing as it smacked of hegemony by those who champion such outfits.

“This tribal grouping like Gema and Kamatusa are retrogressive because they are going against the spirit of national unity and could polarize the country into tribal fiefdoms,” he said.

The PM asserted that a lot of mud was being thrown at ODM because of sheer jealousy as the party was carrying the liberation flag through championing the Kenyan dream as coined by the country's founding fathers.

He said the party advocated for change that was being resisted by individuals out to ensure that the status quo in the country is maintained. 

Regional Development minister Fred Gumo cautioned Kenyans against electing leaders based on tribal considerations.

He said that the electorate should avoid such pitfalls because good leaders should have certain qualities able to transform society.

Assiatant Ministers Margaret Wanjiru and Magerer Langat said that ODM was poised to clinch massive victory in the coming elections.

They said that the party enjoys a huge following in Rift Valley contrary to what opponents of the party say.

The ministers said that they were confident the party was growing stronger by the day.