Residents from Kajiado North Sub-County joined global celebrations to commemorate the International Peace Day.
The event began with a procession led by the Kenya Wildlife Service Band and flagged off by the Deputy County Commissioner, Yusuf Mohammed.
The parade headed to Ngong Bus Park, where there was entertainment from various groups, before speeches by local leaders who majorly expressed the need to safeguard peace and harmonious co-existence amongst Kenyans.
Speaker after speaker spoke of promoting peace and harmony within their areas, especially as the country approaches elections in 2027.
Speaking during the event, Ann Njeri Mathu, Vice Chairperson of the NACADA Board of Directors, encouraged the youth to maintain peace across the country by avoiding drug and substance abuse.
She encouraged anyone who is struggling with drug abuse to call on NACADA for counseling and rehabilitation to enable them contribute positively to the society, as well as play their part in building a peaceful and harmonious country.
“This is a day to reflect on what peace truly means for us here in Kajiado. True and lasting peace extends far beyond the absence of violence or conflict. It is the presence of social coalition, good health, and opportunities for every individual to thrive. There can be no genuine peace plugged with alcohol and drug abuse,” added Mathu.
The Kajiado North Deputy County Commissioner urged residents of the area to promote peace while acknowledging the Peace Committee in Kajiado for making the day a success.
Member of County Assembly for Ngong Ward, Mbiriri Mwaura, asked residents to always advocate for peace, love and harmony amongst themselves and to always rebuke leaders who spread hatred, thus hampering peaceful coexistence.
“Let us not wait for the election period to start preaching on peace; it is needed every single time, including before, during and after elections,” he said.
He termed the recent sabasaba riots witnessed in the area, where lives were lost and property destroyed. “That is not the kind of Ngong we want; we want a peaceful area to raise our kids and live our lives.
Everyone has a part to play in ensuring peace, which cannot be maintained by leaders alone. It’s also your responsibility as a citizen to ensure peace prevails,” Mbiriri emphasised.
The Sub-County Administrator for Kajiado North and Kajiado West, Samuel Muchiri, underscored the importance of holding peace meetings every other time and not just when the country approaches elections.
“The most important thing we can talk about as a nation is peace. Together with other leaders, we will not tire of preaching peace in Kajiado County. I want to urge the citizens to maintain peace, as it has always been in Kajiado County,” Muchiri said.
Speaking on behalf of youth, Solomon Dennis said that peace does not refer to lack of war, but instead it refers to lack of good governance and a united country.
He therefore called upon the youth and also the leaders to maintain and preach peace as they dialogue on common matters affecting them.
On their part, religious leaders, who were also in attendance, gave a commitment to always be available when called upon to address important issues affecting the society.
Others who attended the Peace Day meeting were the Ngong Central Police commandant (OCPD), Tom Achiya; the Sub- County police commander, Isaac Muthama; Assistant County Commissioners (ACCs); chiefs and their assistants among others.
By Anne Wambui and Felicia Debra
