NAIROBI, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday condemned the blatant attack at a political rally convened in Zimbabwean convened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ruling party, ZANU-PF.
In his message of goodwill to the president and Zimbabweans, Kenyatta termed the attack as an affront on democracy by ill-advised elements out to subvert the free will of the peace loving people of the Southern Africa nation.
"As I condemn the attack unreservedly, I also call against the use of violence as a tool for intimidating citizens from exercising their political choices," Kenyatta said.
President Mnangagwa was unhurt and successfully evacuated on Saturday after an explosion hit where he was addressing a campaign rally.
The explosion rocked White City Stadium in Bulawayo, a city in southwest Zimbabwe, where several people were injured including Zimbabwe's First Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Second Vice President Kembo Mohadi.
"As a long standing friend of Zimbabwe, Kenya sends its message of goodwill to President Emerson Mnangagwa and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe," said Kenyatta.
The Kenyan leader called for restraint during the campaign and electioneering period, saying the political competition should not fracture Zimbabweans but should be a measure to deepen their democratic credentials.
Kenyatta also warned against the use premeditated violence as a tool for political canvasing.
