The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has commended the media fraternity for its contribution towards the realization of peaceful elections and the transition phase.
In the latest report, the commission observed that the fourth estate, state and non-state actors performed a vital role in enhancing peace in the country during the past polls.
NCIC Commissioner Eng. Philip Okundi while addressing participants during the sensitization forum for journalists, reporters and bloggers on hate speech, ethnic contempt and peaceful coexistence in Kisumu County, urged media practitioners to remain at the forefront in raising awareness to promote sustainable peace within communities.
“Elections greatly influence the lives of citizens, hence, there is a need for various actors including the media to educate people on the need to foster peaceful coexistence among communities,” said Okundi.
The Elections Bila Noma 2022, the Kenyan Experience report credited vernacular and community radio stations, as well as mainstream media houses for the calm and tranquility, experienced within the country.
In a presentation during the two-day engagement with Kisumu journalists, Jessica Otieno, NCIC Principal Education and Outreach Officer commended the media for availing platforms through which citizens could engage in political debates raising voter awareness.
Otieno further noted that vernacular and community radio stations were pivotal in educating the citizens on the voting process, maintaining peace and providing forums for the public to participate in political debates and dialogues.
In a postmortem to the 2022 general elections, NCIC has established a three-year roadmap that aims to deepen peace and cohesion in Kenya and enhance the post-election healing process among various communities.
“We applaud the country for keeping peace during the elections. However, we are cognizant of the existence of anti- peace across the country and call on all stakeholders to walk with us in the pursuit for peace,” Otieno pleaded.
By Robert Ojwang’
