Kericho County has stepped up efforts in a bid to foster peace love and unity, ahead of the August Polls, by launching a peace caravan comprising of government officials, business community and residents who participated in a walk around the town towards Nyagacho area, spreading the message of peace.
Kericho County Commissioner, Kamau Karun’go, flagged-off the caravan, calling for peaceful electioneering period.
He urged residents not to vacate their homes in Kericho for fear of violence, as the election approaches, promising that no violence will be experienced.
Karun’go further assured residents of their security before, during and after the General Election, adding that the cosmopolitan nature of Kericho will remain stable and peaceful during this year’s polls, noting that all measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth electioneering period.
With the August 9 polls just around the corner, Karun’go said politicians from across the political divide are allowed to campaign in all parts of the County, without discrimination and intimidation, but urged them to avoid inflammatory words that could spark violence.
“Chiefs should allow all politicians to campaign peacefully without interference, since it’s their constitutional right. Politicians should also use the opportunity to spread the message of peace to the electorate,” added Karun’go.
The County Commissioner who was addressing members of the public at Nyagacho area at the outskirts of Kericho Town, also said the security team was keen to take action on any person found breaching the state of peace in the County.
The Kericho East Deputy County Commissioner, Stephen Orinde, echoed the County Commissioner’s sentiments, saying emergency numbers had been issued to the members of public for ease of access to security personnel, in case they needed to report matters that could lead to the arrest of persons propagating hate.
“Please use the security contacts to give us crucial information. Otherwise, we continue to preach peace in churches and we believe that this year we will have the most peaceful election, because blessed are the peacemakers” added Orinde.
During the colourful event, area church leaders prayed for peaceful electioneering period calling on residents to love their neighbors before, during and after the general election.
Artists and musicians present at the auspicious occasion entertained the audience with songs promoting peaceful co-existence and love that transcends beyond the borders of tribe, culture or religion.
Also in attendance were area politicians from across the political divide, who pledged to remain peaceful throughout their campaigns and during the elections.
By Kibe Mburu and Sharon Chepkoech
