The Kalenjin Council of elders and religious leaders have urged political leaders in Rift Valley region to stop spreading incitements and hate speech ahead of the August general elections.
The elders and the clergy said that they will not allow politicians to incite the locals to cause unrest, conflict, banditry and cattle rustling especially among the neighbouring counties in the North Rift.
They said this has contributed to deaths, displacement, and schools have been close closed and there has been a lack of development in the region ahead of the general elections.
They said that they are concerned about the rising political temperatures, prevailing political environment, peace threats and the recent spate of killings in the region.
They said that they have resolved to ensure the August 8th general elections will be peaceful in the Rift Valley region.
The elders strongly condemned insecurity incidents happening along the borders of West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties that have claimed more than forty lives in a span of four months.
Speaking to the press in Kapenguria, the elders led by Kalenjin council of elders Chairperson Mr. James Lukwo said during the Kalenjin elders and clergy Intra-Ethnic Forum held on 21st and 22nd February at RCEA Guest House in Eldoret, they resolved to work with political leaders to ensure peaceful campaigns in the region.
Mr. Lokwo said they met to reflect and support the imperative for peace before and after the coming general elections.
“As the country draws near the August elections, political mobilization is taking center stage with very worrying results. We have realized that there is increased polarization between ethnic groups and political camps which are intensifying tension and conflicts,” Lukwo said.
The elders and the clergy called on political leaders to ensure they co-exist harmoniously during the campaign period.
“We don’t want a repeat of the skirmishes which happened in 2007-2008. Our region was hard hit by election violence where many people died, property was destroyed and residents were displaced,” he said.
Lukwo said that the impact of polarization is being witnessed in the frequency and ferocity of inter–ethnic attacks in the region and other parts of the country.
The chairperson cited that the elders and religious leaders have identified factors that have potential to cause violence between and within communities during the electoral process.
He said the elders and clergy resolved to tackle any form of election malpractices which might plunge the country into chaos.
They said the elders will put in place mitigation measures by conducting civic education to community members so as to promote peace.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya [NCCK ] North Rift Chairperson Mr. Musa Maina said that they will undertake Advocacy with political leaders vying for various political seats.
“We shall be holding regular meetings with them to implore them to embrace peace during campaigns and after elections. We shall mediate between conflicting parties so as to facilitate peace. We have tasked sub councils to deal with conflicts in their jurisdictions,” he said. He said they will engage media to promote peace and denounce violence.