Murang’a County Commissioner Mr. Karuku Ngumo has asserted that the office of the president is working closely with various stakeholders to ensure there is peace before, during and after the general election.
Speaking during the flagging off of a peace caravan at his office he highlighted the significance of sensitizing Kenyans on maintaining peace during this electioneering period.
“The caravan will go around the county to sensitize the people on the need to maintain peace before, during and after elections,” said Ngumo.
Some of the stakeholders present during the flagging off of the caravan include the Political Party Liaison Office (PPLO), the office of the registrar of political parties and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The County Commissioner noted that Kenyans tend to get polarized along political lines during elections and sensitization is important during such times in order to avoid any forms of violence.
“Lack of peace and unity doesn’t go very well for the peace of the county hence the need to sensitize both the public and the political candidates,” said Ngumo.
The CC urged all political candidates to do sober and peaceful campaigns so as to avoid polarizing Kenyans.
Ngumo who also chairs Murang’a County Security Committee observed that the county had witnessed a period of peaceful campaigns so far and was grateful that candidates had abided to the code of conduct under the Political Parties Act.
“I wish to commend all the candidates vying for various seats in Murang’a County for adhering to the code of conduct,” observed Ngumo adding that the committee has mapped out campaign areas for all the candidates and they have observed those rules.
Ngumo however noted that there have been rampant cases of destruction of campaign materials.
“I have tasked the DCI to investigate the matter and I also urge any aspirants who may have information on who the culprits are to work together with the security officials,” he said adding that it is important that all candidates respect each other’s property.
On his part, Assistant Director at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), Locha Erukudi, explained that Section 38 of Political Parties Act 2011 mandates the Political Parties Liaison Committee to provide dialogue between the Registrar, Commission and political parties.
Erukudi, explained that this caravan in Murang’a together with others taking place simultaneously across the country is part of the ORPP to ensure peace and unity during the electioneering period.
He stated the ORPP had the duty to follow up on whether the various politicians were observing the code of conduct even after registration.
Yesterday, the caravan dubbed Political Parties Liaison Commission (PPLC) for peace was visiting various towns in Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Embu counties. ORPP will also have several meetings targeting civil societies before the general election.
By Anita Omwenga and Purity Mugo
