Leaders have appealed to residents of Ol Kalou Constituency to maintain peace, uphold the rule of law and exercise tolerance ahead and during the July 16 parliamentary by-election.
The appeal follows isolated incidents of violence reported in parts of the constituency over the past two weeks, prompting leaders to urge voters to reject acts that could undermine the democratic process.
Speaking during a service at Full Gospel Church in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau condemned the recent violence and called on relevant security agencies to take firm action against those seeking to disrupt peace.
“We have conducted peaceful campaigns and this should not interrupt the by-election. We want our people to remain peaceful. Once they vote, they should go back home and wait for the results,” said Gitau.
The legislator expressed confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying the electoral body was prepared to conduct a free, fair and credible by-election. She urged residents to turn out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right without fear.
On his part, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, who attended a church service at Deliverance Church in Ol Kalou, also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid engaging in violence before, during and after the poll.
Amisi, who declared his support for People’s Renaissance Party candidate Timothy Kariuki, urged voters to respect the electoral process and allow the will of the people to prevail through peaceful voting.
Deliverance Church Ol Kalou Reverend Benjamin Otieno similarly called on residents to treat one another with respect regardless of their political affiliations and to avoid being drawn into acts of violence or destruction of property.
The cleric noted that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to safeguard residents and ensure a peaceful election.
“I am happy because, so far, no church member has suffered,” he said, while urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid interactions that could compromise their safety.
Otieno cautioned residents that unfamiliar faces were expected in the constituency in the days leading to the by-election, advising them to remain alert while refraining from taking the law into their own hands.
He reminded voters that candidates contesting the seat were members of the community who would continue living together after the election, making it important for residents to embrace peaceful coexistence.
Rev Otieno encouraged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers on polling day, cast their ballots peacefully and accept the outcome of the election in accordance with the law.
“No one should fear going out to vote. Let every eligible voter exercise their constitutional right peacefully and allow the democratic process to take its course,” he said.
The Ol Kalou Parliamentary by-election is scheduled for Thursday July 16, with security agencies, electoral officials and local leaders expressing confidence that the poll will be conducted peacefully, transparently and in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws.
By Antony Mwangi
