Elders from resident communities in Uasin Gishu County have condemned the recent circulation of leaflets in parts of the county targeting some communities.
In a press conference convened Monday, the elders said such attempts to threaten the existing peace in the county will not be tolerated, adding that anybody using youths to circulate hate leaflets should be dealt with decisively according to the law.
Kalenjin Council of elders, led by Mr. John Yego said the main agenda was to inculcate peaceful coexistence among all communities, as everybody has a right to stay in the county and should be free to support any political party without being victimized.
“We should not allow any incitements from external forces or individuals to cause division among the communities because of politics, we want peace during elections and after as elections will come and go but our county must remain peaceful,” Yego said.
Luo elders, Uasin Gishu County led by Mr. Roman Odero also supported the initiative, saying elections should not make Kenyans pass around inciting leaflets to turn against each other, we want peace and unity in the region ahead of the 2022 polls.
Mr. Zacharia Mutheki, the chairperson of the Kikuyu council of elders further added that, “We the elders have put every effort to enhance peace across the county, affirming that the August 9 polls will be peaceful, we refuse incitements we should come together as different communities, and to accept one another irrespective of political leanings”.
Mr. David Nyambane of the Kisii council of elders echoed similar opinions and vowed for peaceful elections.
Abdullahi Abdi, a Somali elder added that, “There is no cause for alarm, prepare to exercise your democratic right on the 9th of August and maintain peace no matter the outcome.”
The elders said it does not matter who the electorate votes for, “the most important thing now is that we will remain as brothers and sisters. Uasin Gishu is cosmopolitan so we have people from various communities in the country, we want to assure everyone that there will be enough peace and we will be on the forefront to preach about it,” they said.
By Judy Too
