Leaders in West Pokot County have been challenged to ensure they conduct peaceful campaigns ahead of the August general elections. West Pokot county assembly speaker Mr Robert Katina said with the political temperature rising, leaders have a duty to guide locals in the area to avoid animosity and violence. “This is a political season and we must shun being partisan,” he said.
He urged members of County assembly in the area not to be divided because of politics citing that all Jubilee and KANU are sons of Pokot land and there is no reason for divisions to arise among them.
“We have staunch supporters of Governor Simon Kachapin and diehard supporters of Senator John Lonyangapuo who is eyeing the County gubernatorial seat and those who support either side. We should not allow election violence to define our county’s politics,” he said.
Speaking to the press in Kapenguria, Speaker Katina urged other political players to maintain peace. He urged residents to elect untainted leaders who value peace urging them to shun engaging in divisive politics. “Kenyans have a right to elect their leaders but they have a responsibility to elect the right ones,” said Katina.
He said Kenyans have a duty to hold leaders accountable without putting tribe ahead of reason. “You cannot elect a vulture and expect a parrot or a dove. Political leaders have a responsibility to restrict their utterances,” he said.
He said residents in West Pokot County must not allow politics to divide them. “The national leadership must assure Kenyans that elections must never and should not tear Kenyans apart,” he said.
Katina also urged competitors to lead what he described as an “issue-based” campaign that is not personalized for peace and stability to be maintained in the county. “Ensuring a free, fair and transparent and credible election process is, therefore, the first goal that we must all commit to. We all have a major role to play,” Katina said.