NAIROBI, June 9 (Reuters) - Kenyans must overcome cynicism and resist efforts to divide and instil fear in a country long held back by corrupt politicians, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said in Nairobi on Wednesday.East Africa's leading economy is recovering from the effects of post-election violence in 2008 when different ethnic groups turned on each other, killing 1,300 people.
Biden recognised the burden of being in "a rough neighbourhood", a reference to conflict-ridden neighbours Sudan and Somalia. His warning comes as Kenyans prepare to vote in a referendum on Aug. 4 on whether to adopt a new constitution. "As you prepare to write a new history for your nation, resist those who try and divide you based on ethnicity, or religion, or region and above all, fear," Biden said, referring to a new constitution meant to reduce chances of conflict by curbing presidential powers and introducing other reforms.
"Fear is a tool as old as mankind and it has been used with great effect in this country in the past. For too long, opportunistic politicians have created an all or nothing system." Continued...
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