Forgive Me for What Happened Last Year, President Kenyatta Asks Kenyans

President Kenyatta has asked Kenyans to forgive him if he played a part in damaging the country's unity during last year's elections.

In his State of the Nation address at Parliament Chambers on Wednesday, President Kenyatta further urged all Kenyans to join him in the unity initiative.

"If I damaged the unity of the country in any way I ask that you forgive me and help me repair the void in any way. Let us each apologize for our words, our actions and the malice that we Kenyans had," the President said amid cheers from Members of Parliament.

He said that the events witnessed during last year's hotly contested elections, including loss of lives and property, should never be witnessed again in the country.

"We want to be clear, never again should a Kenyan life be lost because of politics . Let us shake hands and embrace our neighbours."

"Never again shall Kenyans property be destroyed on account of politics. We learned the hard truth, neither peace nor unity are given, we must work for them. Last year taught us that if we don't put an end to unrestrained political competition , it will put an end to Kenya," he added.