The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has praised the Uasin Gishu County residents for their willingness to embrace peace before, during and following elections.
The NCIC commends Uasin Gishu County and its North rift headquarters, Eldoret, for their history of violence following the 2007 general election.
Sam Kona, NCIC Commissioner, spoke at the International Peace Day 2022 celebrations held at Eldoret’s Home Craft Centre. He praised Kenyans in general for setting a good example by maintaining peace following a contested presidential vote.
“It is a very important day for us as a country especially when the world had perceived Kenya through the prism of post-election violence as they remind us about the 2007/2008 case, but the resilience of the people of Kenya and their leaders demonstrated in the completed election that we can have a competitive electoral process, disagree politically, contest the results but still remain peaceful through seeking legal redress and by obeying the rule of law,” said Kona.
He added that the commission had decided to hold this year’s International Peace Day celebrations in Eldoret because it had proved itself beyond expectations for maintaining peace, even after the August general elections despite the previous allegations that it would likely experience conflict owing to its previous history and the cosmopolitan nature.
“Kenya is peaceful now, things are as normal as before, this county is also one of the counties that contributed to that peace in a special way. That is why we decided to have this event here to embrace the positive energy that has been portrayed here and the other parts of the country and recite the message that Kenya will never again go the way of violence, we shall continue to maintain our peace forever,” he said.
Kona acknowledged the support citizens demonstrated by taking heed of the public messages the commission disseminated through various trainings and peace meetings with the theme ‘Election Bila Noma,’ which helped promote peace and unity in the country during the electioneering period.
He also praised media for their cooperation and support of the commission to promote peace and unity through ethically and timely reporting on poll results through various channels, including radio, television, print, and other media.
Kona said that the current peace in Kenya was achieved through the concerted efforts Kenyans and their political leadership who respected both the integrity of the electoral body IEBC as well as the Supreme Court’s ruling following the August 9th elections.Th general elections.
“I would like to pay tribute and respect to the president of the republic of Kenya Dr. William Ruto because when the results were contested, he accepted that they proceed to the supreme court as the law dictates, I also commend the former prime minister Raila Odinga for seeking justice at the court after disagreeing with the presidential poll results. I also want to commend the former president Uhuru Kenyatta for ensuring a smooth transition of power to the new administration by fulfilling his constitutional duty through peaceful handing over of power instruments,” said Kona.
On his part, Uasin Gishu county commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale lauded the NCIC for its role of advocating for peace in the country as he assured of his administration’s commitment to work hand in hand with the commission in collaboration with the County Government of Uasin Gishu to ensure everlasting peace in the county and the neighbouring areas.
“It is a great day for us to celebrate the haven of peace in our county, I will work with Governor Jonathan Chelilim to ensure citizen’s aspirations are fulfilled to see that peace prevails and to promote sustainable development,” said Dr. Nyale.
The County Commissioner asked citizens to join hands with leaders from different sectors to ensure the county’s development.
Jonathan Chelilim, Uasin Gishu governor addressed the media during the International Peace Day Flag Off Ceremony at his office at the county headquarters. He praised the achievements of the peacebuilding committee and other peace actors that had helped maintain peace in the region for the past ten years.
He added that the peaceful coexistence of various communities across Kenya had made the county a peaceful place.
Chelilim assured residents that Uasin Gshu would always remain peaceful in order to be an example to other neighboring counties in the north-rift region, who still face serious conflicts as a result of the fight for resources.
“We have accepted that we will live together in peace, love and unity with every other community. We have our neighbouring counties, we feel for them like Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot and Turkana, we urge them to embrace peace and build cohesion in those regions,” said Chelilim
He encouraged residents to embrace peaceful coexistence and unity despite differences in their political views after the election.
Anastacious and Ekuwam Chepkemoi
Source: kenyanews
