Kenya holds national fasting and peace prayers

Dr David Owuor leads the nation in prayers at Uhuru Park, Nairobi on February 24, 2013. Photo credit:STEPHEN MUDIARI.

Thousands of Kenyans have been flocking to Uhuru Park for three days of fasting and praying for the Country. Despite the hot sun they are only allowed a sip of water or fresh juice and fruits. This is a huge sign of democracy and unity.......

Six presidential candidates joined hundreds of Kenyans to fast and pray for peaceful elections as March 4 close in. Led by Dr Edward Owuor, presidential aspirants Uhuru Kenyatta (Jubilee), Raila Odinga (Cord), Peter Kenneth (Eagle alliance), Martha Karua (Nark Kenya), James Ole Kiyiapi (RBK) and Mohamed Abduba Dida (ARK) all pledges to battle it out peacefully.

There is tension after reports indicated that some Kenyans had begun to arm themselves in case of a repeat of the 2007/2008 election chaos that left at least 1300 Kenyans dead and over 600,000 internally displaced.

Jubilee coalition flagbearer Uhuru Kenyatta, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, called for a free-vote.

Mr Kenneth stressed that the real winners of the historic vote will be Kenyans if the elections are conducted freely, fairly and peacefully. Musalia Mudavadi of Amani coalition and Paul Muite of Safina party did not attend the payer session.

Jubilee presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta (in red shirt) shake hands with Cord presidential candidate Raila Odinga at the national fasting and peace prayers at Uhuru Park, Nairobi on February 24, 2013. Photo credit: REBECCA NDUKU

Presidential candidates in show of solidarity during the national fasting and peace prayers at Uhuru Park, Nairobi on February 24, 2013. Photo credit: REBECCA NDUKU

Alliance for Real Change presidential candidate Mohammed Abduba Diba (with white handkerchief) arrives for the national fasting and peace prayers at Uhuru Park, Nairobi on February 24, 2013. Photo credit: SALATON NJAU

Presidential candidates face the crowd from the podium as they pledge to conduct a peaceful election on March 4, 2013. Photo credit ; SALATON NJAU