Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta speaks during the launch of Ngong road phase one and expansion of phase two in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, March 22, 2018. (Xinhua/Charles Onyango)

NAIROBI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Political talk and activities have declined significantly in Kenya, giving the country a chance to focus on development after grueling elections.

There are no political rallies, name-calling among politicians, threats and antagonism and declaration of political ambitions as was in the case in the last few months.

All is quiet on the political front, with the situation attributed to the decision by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his main challenger in last year's polls Raila Odinga to make peace two weeks ago.

Their talks have lowered political animosity among leaders and citizens, effectively wiping away the toxic environment that had engulfed the East African nation.

On social media where there was a lot of negative political talk that fanned ethnicity, Kenyans are now discussing social and economic issues that include crime, poverty and unemployment.

"It now time to forge unity and build the country. Time for politicking is over as our leaders Odinga and Kenyatta have shown," George Aladwa, an opposition MP and an ally of Odinga, said.

Ruling Jubilee party senator Johnson Sakaja, initially a fierce critic of Odinga, now refers him to a "statesman." He said Odinga and Kenyatta have shown the country the direction it should take.

"I attended a meeting with opposition politicians and people lauded us when we declared unity. It showed me Kenyans were tired of negative politics," he said.

According to Sakaja, the strength of a country is measured by the actions, programs, policies and the thoughts that are put towards the most vulnerable in society.

On Thursday, Kenyatta emphasized that time for politicking was over, noting the unity deal ended the political period.

"You saw me meeting with Odinga where we agreed to cool things down and work together for the benefit of citizens. Let us put politics aside and work for the people," he said while opening a road.

Issues hogging the talk on the East African social media platforms now include the environment, joblessness, unity, constitution and crime, as politics takes back seat.

"One thing that the unity deal has done is to expose the state officials who hoped they'll hide behind the toxic partisanship to evade accountability questions. We should celebrate them," said blogger Dikembe, who supported the opposition.

"Clause 24 of the Cybercrime Bill 2017 Contravenes Article 24(2) and 31 of the constitution. Police authorized to conduct a search without a warrant. All Kenyans must defend the constitution," Rein Asamoh, a blogger, tweeted on Friday, with several Kenyans taking the matter up.

On the streets Kenya are happy with the turn of events, noting the economy can now improve, creating the much-needed jobs.

"I was among the people who were afraid that Odinga and his coalition National Super Alliance was going to escalate rift with Kenyatta making life tough for citizens. The turn of events is good for the country," said Moses Nzando, an insurance agent.

The sector was among the worst affected by the lengthy electioneering period, with uptake of policies declining due to despondence.

"Any politician who would want to hold rallies now has no good intentions for the country," he said.

At the height of the political season last year, George Odongo, a welder, would not miss any opposition rally in Nairobi.

"I used to close my business and attend the rallies. Right now I cannot because we have work and I want to grow my business," he said.

Henry Wandera, an economics lecturer, noted that leaders have read the mood in the country and complied with it.

"People currently want development, peace and unity. They have taken cue from Kenyatta and Odinga and anyone going against it is seen as a traitor. It is a good thing because a country cannot politic forever," he said.

He added that the deal would spur economic development and already business people are enjoying the benefits as the political environment remains positive.