Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Kenyans to embrace the culture of dialogue and reconciliation for the sake of peace and development in the country.

Mr. Musyoka said it was time the people of Kenya forget the past and forgive each other as the only way to unite and forge a common development agenda for this nation.

The Vice President who was among thousands of mourners who attended the funeral and burial ceremony of the late retired general Simon Kiplimo Muttai held at his Naisambu farm in Trans Nzoia district Friday said Kenyans should think about the future of this country by preaching peace and reconciliation.

"The best thing we can do is to forget what happened last year and forgive each other for the sake of peace and development of our nation,'' said Mr. Musyoka.

Noting that the late general Muttai was a leader who was committed to peace and development, Mr. Musyoka said it was time Kenyans borrow a leaf from him and preach peace and reconciliation for the sake of the future of this country.

"Surely, there is need for instance for former president Moi to forgive Ruto, Ruto to forgive others who have wronged him, I forgive those who have wronged me as they forgive me and vice versa. By doing this, we will have embraced the culture of forgiveness and we move on,'' said Mr. Musyoka.

"I am sure threats through the media cannot help heal this country. What we need to do is to take a common stand that can help us forge ahead,'' he said.

He emphasized on the need for leaders to work together in solving the many problems facing the country instead of engaging in politics aimed at demonizing certain communities.

Mr. Musyoka also told the ceremony which was also attended by former president Daniel Moi, Cabinet ministers William Ruto (Agriculture) and Dalmas Otieno (Public Service), several MPs, former and serving army generals that the Government was proud of the country's military.

"I must say the Government recognizes the vital role played by our military in peace process and development. In fact, some of our diplomats have been recognized in the continent,'' said Mr. Musyoka.

Former president Moi warned leaders against engaging in politics during burials, noting that it was against the culture of the Kalenjin for people to engage in politics or comment or other development related issues.

"The Kalenjin culture does not allow any group of individuals to engage in politics during times of burials. Such occasions are meant for people to console the bereaved family and pay their last respects to the departed member of the society,'' said Moi.

Mr. Ruto said that the Government has reduced the cost of fertilizer from the current Kshs 2,500 to Kshs 2,000 as one way of boosting the farmers morale and thus enable them intensify their farming activities.

The Agriculture Minister said the Government was putting more emphasis on the development of agriculture as the only way to reduce the high poverty levels besides fighting famine that has ravaged many parts of the country.

Mr. Ruto said there was need for leaders to appreciate the development projects which were initiated instead of criticizing such projects.

Local MP Eugene Wamalwa urged the Government to consider putting up a fertilizer factory in the district to help the farmers improve on their farm produce.

Among those who addressed the occasion included Minister Otieno, AIC Bishop Silas Yego, former Chief of General Staff Daudi Tonje among others.

Also present were former Chief of General Staff general Joseph Kibwana, MPs Joshua Kutuny and Cyrus Jirongo Kinyua and Trans Nzoi West DC Wilfred Kinyua among others.