The Kakamega County Peace Committee is set to revive all grassroots committees at the sub-location and location level to enhance preparedness for the 2027 General Elections.
This follows a resolution of a peace meeting that brought together the County Peace Committee members, the County National Cohesion and Integration Commission officers, and Lugari Sub County national government administrators at Lumakanda.
Addressing the press after the meeting, the County Peace Committee chairman, Henry Nauto, urged Kenyans, especially the politicians, to shun divisive politics ahead of next year’s general elections.
“Development cannot take place where there is no peace. I want to remind the political class that there is nothing as bad as politics of hatred, abuse, deceit, and incitement. Let us exercise tolerance and preach peace in our politics for a better Kenya.” He said.
Nauto further challenged the clergy, especially those involved in politics directly or indirectly, to desist and pray for the country and Kenyans so that we can have peaceful elections.
He called on the youths to avoid being misused by politicians to cause chaos in gatherings to satisfy their selfish interests.
Nauto urged the government to strengthen peace committees across the country, noting that they will be of value come next year.
Lugari Deputy County Commissioner Jeremiah Tumo echoed Nauto’s sentiments, saying there is a need to revitalize the dormant peace committees in order to reinforce the existing harmony among the communities living in the region.
He emphasized the need to bring on board the youths and women in the peace initiatives in order to make them sustainable.
He said, “We have decided to revive peace committees right from the grassroots level. We shall start with the sub-location and locational committees.
“Once we have these in place we shall form the divisional and sub county committees which will then produce delegates to sit in the county committee. We want to have people whom we shall work with as we head towards the next general elections.”
Tumo said the government is currently focused on alternative dispute resolution methods, which will enable members of the public to resolve their disputes amicably amongst themselves and propagate cohesion.
He listed land disputes as a main challenge that is threatening the peaceful coexistence in the sub county especially in areas like the Mautuma location and its environs.
“We are, however, working extra hard to ensure the disputes are resolved amicably and those involved get land title deeds.” He said.
He appealed to the youthful generation to desist from hooliganism orchestrated by self-centered politicians bound on causing chaos and disunity in the community.
He said, “As a team we want to ensure there will be peace before, during, and after elections. We also reject hooliganism, political zoning, ethnic balkanization, and any other activities that may lead to disruption of our peaceful coexistence in Kakamega County.”
On his part, Kakamega County National Cohesion and Integration Commission coordinator Elphas Okiya said they have agreed to reactivate all the grassroots peace committees in order to ensure the country remains peaceful before, during and after the general elections.
He cautioned Kakamega residents against engaging in divisive politics that may cause disunity or disability in the county.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
