Church leaders and Government officials in Nandi County have launched a peace campaign to curb electoral violence ahead of the August 9 General Election.
Led by County Commissioner Herman Shambi and Bishop Paul Korir of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Kapsabet Diocese, the leaders said the campaign seeks to foster greater commitment by all stakeholders to peaceful elections.
Speaking at Kapsabet Bus Park during a meeting with various stakeholders among them bodaboda operators and matatu drivers, Shambi urged residents to embrace peaceful co-existence, be tolerant to each other and avoid violence.
He said people should respect one another regardless of their color, faith and tribe and called on locals to shun leaders who propagate tribalism.
“The nation belongs to all of us and election will come and go. Let us embrace one another during this political season,” he said.
Bishop Korir called on Kenyans to pray for peace saying elections should not come with divisions or fear.
“We are one nation and we should live with each other as brothers and sisters. Let peace prevail during and after elections,” he said
He called upon locals not to allow themselves to be divided by leaders who lack integrity.
“Let’s pray for God’s will to be done. This is a time of reflection and we should reflect deeply all about the direction our Country is taking. It should be that of peace and not chaos,” he said.
The leaders appealed to youths present to be agents of peace and love one another despite their political affiliations.
By Linet Wafula
