The Chairman of the Nandi Kaburwo Council of Elders, Mzee Augustine Kisorio, has urged politicians seeking elective positions in next year’s General Election to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could escalate political tensions and ethnic divisions.
Mzee Kisorio said leaders were best placed to unite rather than divide Kenyans, warning that irresponsible political statements could undermine the peace and unity of the country.
Speaking during his installation as Chairman of the Kaburwo Council of Elders at the East Africa Baraton University on Friday, he called on political leaders across the country to exercise restraint in their language and promote unity as well as peaceful coexistence as they seek votes.
“We say in our community, love your enemy. Our leaders should love their perceived political enemies despite their political differences and popularity across the country,” said Mzee Kisorio.
He regretted the high-voltage political campaigns already being witnessed in various parts of the country and urged leaders to guide their supporters through responsible statements instead of inciting them into chaos and division.
The elders’ chairman also called on politicians to mobilize eligible Kenyans to register as voters peacefully, saying the exercise should not be used to fuel political hostility or insecurity.
The installation ceremony brought together national and county leaders from the Kalenjin community, including governors, senators, members of parliament and members of county assembly, who echoed the call for peaceful campaigns and the preservation of African culture.
The leaders proposed various measures to ensure that Kalenjin culture, language and traditions are documented and passed on to future generations.
Speakers during the occasion also highlighted the importance of intergenerational dialogue in preserving cultural heritage while adapting to changing societal needs.
Several speakers emphasised the role of elders in guiding the youth towards responsible citizenship and leadership, while others called for the promotion of the Nandi language and traditions through educational programmes and community events.
Mzee Kisorio urged leaders to place national unity and development above personal political ambitions, reminding them that a peaceful and prosperous Kenya was a shared responsibility.
By Geoffrey Satia
