Kitui County Commissioner Mbogai Rioba has warned politicians seeking elective posts to keep off dirty politics and embrace peace in their campaigns, during and after the 9th August general elections.
He expressed concern over the previous electioneering periods in the country, where peace had hardly found its place, citing the 2007 post-election violence (PEV) as a nightmare up to date.
The administrator was speaking when he flagged off the Kitui county women peace walk exercise dubbed “Election Bila Noma” in an effort to steer up peace amongst residents in the county.
Flagging off the peace walk outside his office, Mr. Rioba, accompanied his county security team, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure peace, during and after the elections.
“I want to assure all residents that the national government in conjunction with county government is ready to ensure peace amongst all residents of the county.
“Do not allow those rogue politicians who may feel their victory is threatened by their rivals to use you to cause violence for their personal gains, the politicians will run away after we arrest you,” he warned.
He insisted that, all rogue politicians who will tamper with peace will face the wrath of law immediately we nap them.
The county commissioner who is also chairman of county security committee, called up locals to impress peace and harmony, reminding them that, peace is a personal initiative and therefore the police alone can hardly achieve a hundred per cent without the residents support.
Mrs. Janet wambua, a 2007 PEV sexual survivor while speaking during the flagging off the walk, observed need for protection and respect of rights of the vulnerable including women, children, people living with disabilities among others during this electioneering period.
Janet, who is the county coordinator for Wangu Kanja Foundation which is under the United Nations (UN) women, sobbed of her ordeal with her offenders, wishing such never happens again to anyone.
“Such experience is painful and hard to forget. The trauma is unending. I therefore appeal to all stakeholders to embrace peace and respect the rights of everyone, including the vulnerable groups.
“Women and children are the most affected by these trespassers and I therefore appeal for the authorities to guarantee peace and take action against all offenders,” Janet appealed.
By Denson Mututo and Rose Mwangangi
