Baringo interfaith leaders have come out to advocate for peace across the county as the country gears up for the general elections in 2022.
The leaders chaired by Bishop Musa Kamuren, Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (SUPKEM) Baringo Coordinator Abraham Bilal and Women of Faith Baringo Chair Veronica Kipsang were speaking at a Kabarnet hotel in Baringo central sub county after concluding a social intelligence training organised by the Interreligious Council of Kenya (IRCK).
The training was on a fact-finding mission in three sub counties that included Baringo North, South and Central to get a report on developments in the county and avenues of fostering peace during campaigns and the effects of the covid-19 pandemic.
Bishop Kamuren asked for tolerance from residents noting that the effects of covid-19 pandemic had taken a toll on their livelihoods and further called on residents and leaders vying for political positions to ensure they promote peace during electioneering period to avoid a repeat of the 2007/2008 election skirmishes.
“Let us strive to make our county a place of peace and fast-track development in order to improve livelihoods even at these critical times of the pandemic,” Kamuren added.
He further said that areas bordering the county experience conflicts and even as the campaign period kicks off more conflicts may be experienced due to differing political parties’ affiliations.
Bilal in his address thanked the IRCK for the training they received on human rights and peace building that would go a long way in fostering peaceful coexistence.
“Politicians should practice politics of fostering unity and not division because Kenya will still be there even after the 2022 General Elections,” Bilal said.
Ms Kipsang thanked the IRCK for the civic education training they received and the field visits to educate residents on covid-19 pandemic and peaceful elections but noted that more needed to be done to reach more residents.
By Caroline Cherono
