Candidates eyeing various elective seats in Uasin Gishu County on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, signed a peace accord, committing to promoting peace before, during, and after the August 9 poll.
In the event that was graced by religious leaders, the candidates committed, in writing, to ensure they will not engage in spreading hate speech, or any utterances and actions that might put peace at risk.
Led by Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich, National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) North Rift chairperson Rev. Daniel Barno and the Uasin Gishu Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) chairman Sheikh Abubakar Bini, among others, the religious readers challenged the politicians to stick by the accord signed and ensure no violence is witnessed.
“As one family, we need to live together like brothers and sisters without being divided into political lines. We need to remain true to this accord and ensure Uasin Gishu remains a place that people want to come here,” said Bishop Kimengich.
Among the political leaders that signed the peace accord included Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno, Reuben Chepses, the running mate to the Uasin Gishu gubernatorial candidate on an independent ticket Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop alias Buzeki, Robert Arap Kemei, the Uasin Gishu Senate candidate on an independent ticket and Kesses Member of Parliament candidate on a UDA ticket CPA Julius Ruto.
The event, convened by among others NCCK, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Supreme Council of Muslims (SUPKEM) in partnership with Mercy Corps, USAID, and Rural Women Peace Link, was also attended by elders from various communities living in the county.
This is the first time political candidates have signed a peace accord, and the conveners of the event hope it will be a stepping stone to ensuring peace and cohesion even after the electioneering period.
“Peace is the key to everything. When we have peace, businesses boom, but without peace, we as the business community cannot do anything,” noted KNCCI Uasin Gishu chairman Willy Kenei.
