As political temperatures begin to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election, Nandi Maendeleo Ya Wake Organization (MYWO) leaders have sounded an emotional appeal to politicians to leave their children out of political violence.
The women, who met in Kapsabet town to discuss development issues affecting the county, said they were increasingly worried about young people being drawn into political confrontations, sometimes for small amounts of money, only to bear the consequences of violence.
They want politicians seeking elective positions to campaign peacefully, respect rival candidates, and allow voters to make informed choices without intimidation.
Sarah Kosgei, Nandi County Chairperson of MYWO, said women had a responsibility to speak out early and prevent political competition from degenerating into violence.
“Elections come and go, but we remain. We do not want to see people losing their friends after elections. Chaos causes injuries, leaves people with wounds, and, in the end, brings no benefit,” she said.
Kosgei urged politicians seeking positions ranging from MCA, MP, Woman Representative, Senator, and Governor to the presidency to respect their opponents and allow their supporters to attend political meetings peacefully.
She also appealed to women and youth to remain sober during the election period, saying political differences should not destroy friendships or communities.
“Our youth are our children from our homes. Let us go home and talk to them as mothers. If you try to lead through violence, you might get hurt or lose your life,” she said.
The women also used the meeting to demand greater acceptance of women seeking elective office, saying female aspirants often face insults and personal attacks that go beyond political debate.
Kosgei said women should be judged by their leadership abilities and policies rather than their gender.
“Let us not push women aside. Women also need these seats. When a woman comes forward, give her an opportunity to lead. A woman can lead, build, and bring development,” she said.
“We are mothers. We feel the pain of our children. We do not want our youth being given small amounts of money to buy alcohol and then sent to disrupt meetings,” said Sally Chepkoech, a women’s MYWO representative from Chesumei Sub-County.
Chepkoech challenged politicians to change the way they engage young people, saying political support should translate into opportunities that improve their livelihoods rather than temporary handouts that could expose them to danger.
“If you want their votes, call them, sit down with them, and explain your policies. If you want to support them, give them something that can sustain their lives, not money to buy alcohol and cause chaos,” she said.
The women said the political class should remember that elections are temporary, while the relationships, families, and communities affected by political violence remain long after the ballot has been counted.
Chepkoech said women aspiring for political office should not be subjected to abuse simply because they have chosen to compete with men.
She questioned why women are accepted in senior professional and public-service positions but are sometimes attacked when they seek political office.
“When a woman stands up to run alongside a man, many things happen against her. Insults are thrown at her, and bad things are posted on social media. Yet she is someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, and someone’s mother,” she said.
The women also appealed to politicians to respect churches and families by keeping political confrontations away from religious functions and funerals.
Caroline Chepkoech from Kabwareng said funerals should remain places for mourning and consolation rather than political confrontation.
“If you go to a funeral, follow the procedures and respect the family. Do not bring chaos where people are mourning,” she said.
She also called on aspirants to respect church gatherings and avoid mobilizing youth to disrupt services or political meetings associated with their opponents.
Beyond politics, the women called for stronger community action against alcohol, illicit brews, and drug abuse, warning that the problem could undermine the future of young people.
Chepkoech urged mothers to work together at the village level to protect children from substance abuse and other social problems.
The women maintained that peaceful elections should be a shared responsibility, with politicians presenting their policies, voters listening to competing ideas, and young people refusing to be used to cause violence.
The chairperson said women would continue to advocate for peace while encouraging their fellow women to step forward and participate in leadership.
“We want to choose our leaders from MCA to President peacefully. We want peace in our homes, peace in Nandi, and peace in Kenya,” she added.
For the women, the message was simple: political competition should never cost a family its child, a community its peace, or a woman her dignity for daring to seek leadership.
By Geoffrey Satia
