Over 300 Kajiado residents participated in a ten-kilometre National Women’s Peace Walk from Kiserian to Ongata Rongai town, an event organized by One Nation Under God (ONUG-KENYA) in partnership with The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The peace walk dubbed ‘Elections Bila Noma’ aims to agitate for peaceful general elections at the grassroots levels and promote cultural diversity by inspiring the participation of women in peace efforts.
One Nation Under God (ONUG) representative in Kajiado Elizabeth Kaguta urged politicians to be ambassadors of peace and refrain from creating division by inciting residents.
“When there is violence during the elections, women suffer the most because it is our children who are used by politicians to cause chaos. Kajiado County is known for peace and we would like to maintain this peaceful status,” said Kaguta.
Kajiado nominated member of county assembly (MCA) Lucy Wachuka called on the youth to be law-abiding citizens and avoid being used by politicians to commit violence.
“I would like to urge women and the youth to avoid being used by politicians to throw stones at vehicles and destroy posters during this election period because it is a crime. When there is conflict, women and children suffer the most,” said Wachuka.
Kajiado North sub-county Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Mwangi reiterated the commitment of the national government to maintaining peace during the electioneering period. He called on politicians to engage in peaceful campaigns.
“We will continue to have peace walks and peace caravans in each town in the sub-county to sensitize residents and ensure that peace is maintained during the campaign period and after the elections. Heckling at political rallies will not be tolerated and action will be taken against politicians disrupting opponent’s campaigns,” said Mwangi.
Political aspirants have shown their commitment to maintaining peaceful campaigns by signing peace charters at the National Women’s Peace Walk which was conducted across all 47 counties.
By Amy Moyi and Gworo Alice
