The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior has launched a two-day peace caravan in Tharaka Nithi County to foster peace ahead of August polls.
Speaking while flagging off the Caravan at his offices in Chuka, County Commissioner Mr Norbert Komora said that the residents have a constitutional right to vote in leaders of their choice.
He urged them to refrain from fighting each other over political differences adding stakeholders involved in peacekeeping initiatives including the county security team are meeting regularly to ensure peace as elections draws nearer.
“Peace starts with you and me so we urge all those who are vying for seats to ensure they seek the positions peacefully and remember the campaign hours are from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm,” Komora said.
The administrator added that action will be taken against those who will interrupt peace during the campaign period and Election Day.
“We want to maintain peace in Tharaka Nithi County and youths should be engaged in various jobs available for them instead of being idle to avoid violence,” Komora observed.
On his part, NCIC Principal legal officer Gitonga Mwikamba said everyone should desist from inciting each other on social media platforms adding: “We should be mindful of what we post on our pages because we have followers and we can easily incite each other on the social media platforms. We want election bila Noma. Tupige kura tusipige mtu.”
Mwikamba said that everyone should play their role in maintaining peace in the county adding that the commission alone cannot bring peace without residents’ hand.
Chairman of the multi-sectoral committee Prof. Lawrence Mbijiwe who was also in attendance urged everyone to desist from fighting each other.
By Kelvin Miriti and Christine Njura
