'Don't elect thieves who will ruin my legacy and Kibaki's,' Uhuru now says

President Uhuru Kenyatta now says the fate of his legacy and even that of his predecessor Mwai Kibaki will be determined by the kind of leaders Kenyans will elect in next year's general elections.

Kenyatta urged the country not to elect “thieves” but instead scrutinize the aspiring leaders and pick those whose agenda is peace and uniting the nation.

“I urge you, don't be incited. Choose leaders who will ensure this country remains peaceful and united and those who will carry on with the work we already started and not take us back to where we came from,” said President Kenyatta in his native Kikuyu language.

He added: “Please don't allow Mwai Kibaki's 10 years and my 10 years to be destroyed by electing thugs and thieves.”

The Head State was addressing members of public in Ruiru town, Kiambu County after presiding over the passing-out-parade of Prisons Cadet Officers at the Prisons Staff Training College (PSTC) in Ruiru.

The President reiterated that at the moment his focus is peace and unity which he said were the foundation for development in the country.

“Time to play politics will come. But for now, what is more important is for the country to remain peaceful. Let us never see violence in this country because of politics. What we want is to continue with development agenda so that we can establish industries for our youth to get employment,” he said.

Kenyatta, who hails from Kiambu County, told the residents that he hopes once he leaves office there will be peace in the country and he will be able to tour the area and interact with the locals.

“I will be together with you. I know just like myself, you too don't want violence. I know once I retire this is where I'm coming back home. I would want to visit this area, interact with you, and since I will not be busy, I can join you, buy chicken or even have a soda as we talk…,” he added as the crowd burst in applause.

"We cannot have violence after every five years. I want peaceful people, people who will be united. I don't want people who only focus on insults. Peace is the foundation everything.

Don't accept to be told this person is like this or that. This country is for us all. That is why I reached out to my competitors and we sat together," said Kenyatta.