Western Kenya Initiative Team has trained peace promoters in Nandi County to promote peaceful co-existence amongst communities, ahead of the August 9 polls.
The team is a consortium of 12 Non-Governmental Organizations working in six counties namely Nandi, Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Trans -Nzoia.
The group has initiated talks with political players including aspirants to sensitize and urge them to preach peace as they seek for various political seats.
Executive Director of Anglican Development Services-North Rift region Peter Nyorsok stated that the training aims to strengthen peace and cohesion in the county, during and after elections.
“The training targets to build capacity for the peace promoters to respond swiftly to any emerging issues as well as prevent and manage election related conflict in the region,” he said
Speaking at a Kapsabet hotel, Nyorsok called on politicians to tone down their reckless utterances to avert violence in areas likely to experience election related disturbances.
Liston Ayodi from Rural Services Programme said continuous engagements with all stakeholders including the media, women, church leaders and security personnel was one of the best ways to deter violence in the region.
He asked peace promoters to be sharing any security related information with the security agencies in the region anytime.
“We will have a Country after elections. Let us choose peace in our deliberations because it starts with us. Peace is something that we can practice at our own level,” said Ayodi.
The Director of Community Initiative Support Services Robert Owino said the training of peace promoters focuses to address issues of violence, conflicts and hindrances of peaceful co-existence due to political affiliation.
“We want to create capacity for mediation, arbitration and negotiation amongst women, community leaders, youth groups, political leaders, security personnel among others to ensure peace prevails after election,” he said.
The peace trainers promised to work around the clock with various stakeholders to ensure peace prevails, adding that no tangible development can be realized in the absence of peace and stability.
By Linet Wafula
