As the countdown to the 2027 general elections continues, with political temperatures rising every day, Kenyans are being urged to maintain peace, cohesion and tolerance.
They have also been asked to evaluate leaders based on their development track records so as to make informed choices.
Speaking during an empowerment forum in Gathera Maragua constituency, Murang’a County Woman Representative Betty Maina further called on the political class to shun divisive politics noting that their actions can destabilize the country.
“The run up to elections is a very volatile time and as politicians we need to be careful not to drive the country to violence which will destabilize the economy and development “she said
“Kenya is a peaceful country and it is our responsibility to safeguard that peace ,there is freedom of expression of movement and of association ,no politician is speaking from asylum and we can hold our rallies without fear let us guard that peace” she added
Maina also called on citizens to maintain peace and unity warning against being divided by politics and the interest of individual leaders
“We must compete politically in a civilized manner and focus on development that improves the lives of our people instead of instigating violence”
Maina implored on the public to maintain peaceful co-existence and avoid being used by political leaders to propagate their individual interests.
“Do not fight your neighbour because of political differences, politics will come and go, we need to protect our businesses and livelihoods and allow others to thrive in any part of the country” she noted
“Behind cameras, politicians are friends, do not let anyone incite you against your neighbor. We need each other and we cannot be fighting and tearing up our country every election cycle”
She further urged Kenyans to review the development track of their leaders before heading to the polls.
“It is exactly one year to the polls, use this time to evaluate your leaders of choice, and if they have fulfilled their election manifesto or they are just engaging in incitement and inflammatory rhetoric” she said
During the empowerment forum, business people received umbrellas shades to help them improve their working environments while 8 social groups received nonrefundable NGAAF funds to strengthen their projects
By Florence Kinyua
