Over 100 youth from Kajiado County have benefited from a peace youth sensitization forum by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) aimed at countering electoral violence and political intolerance.
The director at NCIC Kilian Nyambu said the Commission has a framework to ensure that peace is maintained throughout the electioneering period. He reiterated the importance of raising awareness among the youth to be ambassadors of peace.
“Two years ago we created a roadmap to ensure Kenyans maintain peace during elections. It is important to sensitize the youth because in the past they were used by politicians to cause violence. We are mobilising them across the country to be ambassadors of peace in their communities,” stated Kilian.
He said the NCIC is currently monitoring and evaluating the political, electoral and peace environment in the country. He emphasized the collective responsibility of every Kenyan in maintaining peace citing the youth should be at the forefront in peace initiatives.
Kajiado North sub-county returning officer Benard Musee called on the youth to avoid being used by politicians to cause chaos. He said that Kajiado North sub-county has one of the highest number of aspirants for Member of Parliament and Member of County Assembly positions.
“Youth are very actively involved in campaigns and should refuse to be used by politicians to commit violence. Kajiado North currently has 83 Member of County Assembly aspirants and 19 Member of Parliament aspirants. During elections, politicians incite the youth to go and protect their votes,” said Musee.
Kajiado North sub-county Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Mwangi has called on the youths to be peace ambassadors and work closely with the government in sharing intelligence during and after elections.
The youths at the forum signed political, decency and peace charters and pledged to work with the NCIC as peace ambassadors in their communities.
By Gworo Alice
