Security officers from Mwala sub county in conjunction with members of the clergy, held interdenominational peace prayers Monday, ahead of the August 9 polls.
The prayers held at Mbiuni market grounds and presided over by Rev. Thomas Muasya from The Redeemed Gospel Church, brought together national government administration officers, members of the police service, residents, religious leaders, political aspirants and IEBC officials, among other stakeholders aimed at bolstering peace efforts in the area, even as political campaigns entered homestretch.
Rev. Muasya called for tolerance among Kenyans saying out to cause electoral violence were not patriotic. “We should not turn against one another as neighbours because of general election which will only happen for a day, instead we should continue embracing on other,” he said.
The cleric prayed for justice to prevail in the country during and after the electioneering period saying any travesty of the same would be a recipe for mayhem. “Justice is important because lack of it can lead to chaos,” he added.
He also cautioned politicians against inciting the youth to cause violence. “They should stop buying alcohol and drugs for the youth to cause chaos,” reiterated Muasya.
Speaking at the same event, Mwala Deputy County Commissioner David Tegutwa reiterated the government’s commitment in ensuring that peace is maintained before, during and after the elections.
“The government is fully prepared and has mobilized enough resources and personnel to ensure a smooth and a peaceful election,” said Tegutwa.
The DCC appealed to the residents to embrace peace and shun divisive politics. “We should also shun political rhetoric laced with insults and innuendos. Such politics is outdated, aspirants should instead sell out their manifesto to the electorate,” he said.
On misinformation and propaganda, the administrator asked residents to verify any information before sharing it, especially on social media platforms.
“People need to be cautious about sharing or forwarding unverified information that has the potential to cause harm. Administrators of social media platforms will be held liable in cases, where such inflammatory remarks are made,” noted the DCC.
At the same time, Tegutwa cautioned against excessive consumption of alcohol as we head to the polls, while disclosing that the government will crackdown on bars and alcohol joints flouting the stipulated timelines.
“As we approach the elections we want people to make sober decisions and we will ensure that no bar operates outside the stipulated hours,” said the administrator.
He asked residents to come out in large numbers and vote for the leaders of choice in the August 9 polls. Let us vote for the people we want without any fear or intimidation, added the DCC.
Also present was sub county police commander Ronald Kirui, who said adequate police officers had been deployed in all the 222 polling stations in the area. “We are adequately prepared in terms of equipment and personnel,” said Kirui.
He thanked the residents for maintaining peace since the campaign period was announced on May 26.
“The area has been largely peaceful, no single incident had been reported in relation to elections, however we are prepared for any eventuality,” said the police commander.
By Roselyne Kavoo
