Residents of Kajiado North Sub-County held peace and consultative meetings to encourage harmonious living among the communities in a buildup gesture ahead of celebrations marking the International Day of Peace.
Starting with a peace caravan that snaked through Ongata Rongai and Kiserian townships, the colourful event complete with pomp, attracted youthful participants, who went round ululating and dancing as they encouraged the cosmopolitan society in the visited areas to embrace peace.
The procession, which included members of the civil society and government officials, preached for peace building and virtues of harmony and tranquility, making several stops before holding a baraza in Kiserian.
The joint baraza discussed a range of issues, including peace and security, development, alcohol and drug abuse, open-door policy, unity among the citizens and improved collaboration between the two sub-counties.
Speakers at the function discussed fostering harmonious relationships, promoting peace, and maintaining unity, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
They advised against tribalism and negative politics, especially among the youth who fall victim to politicians.
Speaking during the event, Yusuf Mohammed, the Kajiado North DCC, reminded the residents of the importance of peace and good neighborliness and asked people to preach and educate one another on peaceful coexistence.
He acknowledged the peace committee that had organized the peace caravan and also the support of various businesses and residents from the area, saying it shows that people were ready to live harmoniously with each other.
“This meeting is among the many fruitful meetings that will follow on peace and more so even as we celebrate the International Day of Peace that will be held in Ngong town on Monday the 22nd September,” Yusuf said
Metrine Wafula, DCC from Ongata Rongai, emphasized on peace and security and asked wananchi to continuously share intelligence for quick response and action by security agencies.
She called on the young people to shun away from posting negative things on social media and instead use the same space to preach peace.
Various business people and leaders said they have been carrying out peace meetings within their jurisdiction to avoid what happened during the last protests that were in June and July.
Sub-County Administrator of Kajiado North and Kajiado West Samuel Muchiri called on the young people to participate, assuring them that the doors are open for them to give their opinion and that they will be heard.
“Let us vow that we will not go back to what happened a while back and that we will spread peace, peace, and peace. We will listen to our young people and use platforms in churches and in barazas to give them an ear,” Muchiri said.
He called upon the upcoming politicians who will be vying for various seats in the area to spread the message of peace during the campaigns.
Joseph Njoroge, who spoke on behalf of the youth and who runs the Global Hope Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, thanked the leaders at both the National and County governments for their support in assisting them to ensure that young people engaging in petty crimes and also those in the streets are rehabilitated and also able to go back to school.
“Since 2013, the Global Hope Rescue Centre has 24 students at the university level, 97 in different high schools, and others also in junior and primary school, and we have been rehabilitating them and teaching them to become responsible young people,” he added.
Njoroge urged the young people to be good ambassadors and preach peace among themselves as well as live harmoniously with each other.
The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September and this year’s 2025 Global Peace Day Theme is “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”
Yusuf’s clarion call to the residents of Kajiado North as preparations for the celebration of the International Peace Day gear up is to critically take time and play a role in speaking up against violence and spreading peace.
Also in attendance during the peace caravan meeting were Sub-County Police Commanders (SCPC) from Kajiado North, West, and Ongata Rongai; NACADA representatives; Assistant County Commissioners (ACC); Chiefs and their assistants; and others.
By Wangari Ndirangu
