Kericho County has intensified efforts to foster peace love, unity and progress ahead of the August polls by launching a peace caravan consisting of government officials and business community members. Residents participated in a walk through the town towards Nyagacho, spreading the message that peace is possible.
Kericho County Commissioner, Kamau Karun’go, flagged-off the caravan, calling for peaceful electioneering period.
He asked residents to stay put in Kericho, despite the threat of violence. He promised that no violence would be experienced.
Karun’go further assured residents of their security before, during and after the General Election, adding that the cosmopolitan nature of Kericho will remain stable and peaceful during this year’s polls, noting that all measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth electioneering period.
With the August 9 polls just around the corner, Karun’go said politicians from across the political divide are allowed to campaign in all parts of the County, without discrimination and intimidation, but urged them to avoid inflammatory words that could spark violence.
“Chiefs should allow all politicians to campaign peacefully without interference, since it’s their constitutional right. Politicians should also use the opportunity to spread the message of peace to the electorate,” added Karun’go.
Addressing members at Nyagacho area, Kericho Town, the County Commissioner said that the security team is ready to take legal action against anyone found violating the county’s state of peace.
The Kericho East Deputy County Commissioner, Stephen Orinde, echoed the County Commissioner’s sentiments, saying emergency numbers had been issued to the members of public for ease of access to security personnel, in case they needed to report matters that could lead to the arrest of persons propagating hate.
“Please use the security contacts to give us crucial information. Otherwise, we continue to preach peace in churches and we believe that this year we will have the most peaceful election, because blessed are the peacemakers” added Orinde.
The colourful event saw area church leaders pray for peaceful electioneering and ask residents to love their neighbours before, during, and after the general elections.
At the auspicious occasion, musicians and artists entertained the audience with songs encouraging peaceful co-existence.
There were also area politicians from all political parties who were present and pledged to be peaceful during their campaigns as well as the elections.
By Sharon Chepkoech & Kibe Mburu
Source: kenyanews
