Former US President Barack Obama has sent a strong message to President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA Presidential candidate Raila Odinga hours to the much-awaited General Election.

Obama implored the two leaders to ensure that peace and unity prevail in the country.

“This election is one more milestone for Kenya, and I urge President Kenyatta, Mr. Odinga, and all Kenyans to act with respect for the proverb: “We have not inherited this land from our forebears, we have borrowed it from our children.” The choices you make in the coming days can either set Kenya back or bring it together,” he said.

The former Head of State noted that Kenya had made great strides and it would be disastrous to destroy the progress during the General Election.

Mr. Obama pleaded with Kenyans to move away from tribal politics highlighting: "To move forward, Kenyans have to reject a politics of tribe and ethnicity and embrace the extraordinary potential of an inclusive democracy".

He urged the law enforcers to act impartially and those aggrieved with the results to follow the proper channels to resolve any emerging disputes.

“I urge Kenyans leaders to reject violence and incitement; respect the will of the people, urge security forces to act professionally and neutrally; and work together no matter the outcome,” Obama said.

Here is the statement: