The County Government of Uasin Gishu has rolled out an initiative that will various groups in society sensitized on the need to maintain peace and unity ahead of the 2022 general elections.
County Secretary Edwin Bett says the initiative is targeting among others the youth, women, and men, in a bid to ensure there is no repeat of what was witnessed after the disputed 2007 general election.
Speaking at Home Craft, in Pioneer estate on the outskirts of Eldoret town during a peace meeting with youths, Bett further said they are working round the clock to ensure the county is never again branded a violence hotspot.
“We don’t want a repeat of the past where we were branded a violence hotspot. We want to reach out to the new generation that might not have witnessed past post-election violence incidences so that we remind them of the importance of peace. We will involve all kinds of people in this county.”
Edwin Bett – County Secretary Uasin Gishu
Similar sentiments were shared by the Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member for Education, Sports, and Youth Affairs Joseph Kurgat who pointed out that they are also working on sensitizing the youth to join technical and vocational institutions where they can acquire skills that will help them be financially independent.
Benard Kemboi, a youth from Ainabkoi Sub County admitted that the youth have for a long time been used to cause chaos during elections, something he said they are willing to address ahead of the 2022 polls.
“We’ve come here from across the country to push the cohesion agenda as we head to the 2022 polls. We have been a target for politicians who use us to cause chaos and do things that are not helpful to society. In 2007, we were affected but this time, we want to ensure nobody is used to causing chaos.”
Bernard Kemboi, Youth – Ainabkoi Sub County.
