Kakamega: 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 initiative follows a resolution of a peace meeting held at Lumakanda, which brought together County Peace Committee members, County National Cohesion and Integration Commission officers, and Lugari Sub County national government administrators.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Peace Committee chairman, Henry Nauto, addressed the press after the meeting, urging Kenyans, especially politicians, to avoid divisive politics ahead of the upcoming elections. Nauto emphasized that development cannot occur without peace and warned against politics filled with hatred, abuse, deceit, and incitement. He called for tolerance and peaceful discourse in political activities for the betterment of Kenya.
Nauto also challenged clergy members involved in politics, directly or indirectly, to withdraw from such activities and instead pray for the nation and its citizens for peaceful elections. Additionally, he urged the youth to resist exploitation by politicians who might incite them to disrupt gatherings for selfish purposes.
The government was urged by Nauto to strengthen peace committees nationwide, highlighting their value in the coming year. Lugari Deputy County Commissioner Jeremiah Tumo echoed Nauto’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing dormant peace committees to maintain harmony among communities in the region. Tumo stressed the inclusion of youths and women in these peace initiatives to ensure their sustainability.
Tumo outlined plans to revive peace committees starting at the grassroots level, beginning with sub-location and locational committees. These would form divisional and sub-county committees, ultimately leading to county committee delegates. This structure aims to prepare adequately for the next general elections.
The government is currently focusing on alternative dispute resolution methods, allowing community members to resolve disputes amicably and promote cohesion. Tumo identified land disputes as a significant challenge to peaceful coexistence, particularly in the Mautuma location. Efforts are being made to resolve these disputes amicably and secure land title deeds for those involved.
Tumo called on the youth to reject hooliganism incited by self-centered politicians and to maintain peace in the community. He stated that the team aims to ensure peace prevails before, during, and after the elections, rejecting any activities that could disrupt peaceful coexistence in Kakamega County.
Kakamega County National Cohesion and Integration Commission coordinator Elphas Okiya announced the reactivation of all grassroots peace committees to ensure peace before, during, and after the general elections. Okiya cautioned residents against engaging in divisive politics that may cause disunity or instability in the county.
