Kenyans mark heroes' day amid calls for peace, unity

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in marking Heroes' Day on Thursday amid calls for peace and unity.

The celebrations which were marked across the country saw Kenyatta urge political leaders at all levels to avoid utterances that may undermine peace and cohesiveness especially as the country heads to next year's general elections.

The president who addressed national celebrations in Machakos County in eastern Kenya, urged Kenyans and leaders in particular to move away from politics based on ethnicity and division.

He said history will judge the current generation of Kenyan leaders by how well they play their role in embracing unity and entrenching the new system of government that was ushered in by the new constitution.

He said unity can be achieved by building strong institutions including national political parties that are not based on tribes.

Kenyatta urged leaders in politics, media, business and other sectors of society to know that they have a responsibility to balance their own individual goals and the collective needs of the country to remain united.

During the celebrations, he also announced the release of 7,000 inmates serving jail terms on petty offenses, freeing space in Kenyan prisons.

Meanwhile, Kenyatta urged Chief Justice David Maraga to speed up cases on corruption to enable culprits fill the new spaces.

Kenyatta reiterated that his government is committed to the war against the vice. "Now the new chief justice can go for the big guys (who are corrupt). The space is there and there is enough beans for them to eat in there," Kenyatta said.

The president also noted the impact of drought to many Kenyans. He said in the coming few weeks the national government will work with various county governments to provide a solution to famine. Endit