Kisumu: Women leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Kericho County have pledged to join hands in promoting development, peace, and unity, emphasizing that political cooperation should create a stable environment for government programs to improve the lives of wananchi.
According to Kenya News Agency, the leaders made this commitment when UDA Kericho County Women Brigade Chairperson Emily Chepkemoi led a delegation of women in a courtesy visit to ODM Kericho County Chairperson Ann Chepkwony at the ODM party office. The meeting brought together women representatives from both political parties across the county’s sub-counties.
The gathering aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two groups, support the broad-based government, and mobilize residents for peaceful participation in the country’s democratic processes ahead of the 2027 General Election. Leaders stated their cooperation was also intended to ensure that development gains and government programs continue to receive grassroots support.
Chepkwony highlighted that the meeting was an opportunity for ODM and UDA women to interact and collaborate on promoting peace and development in Kericho County. She noted that ODM in Kericho had embraced the broad-based government and would continue to support its development agenda, creating an opportunity for leaders to address issues affecting the people.
She urged political leaders and their supporters to reject violence and disruptions, advocating for peaceful political participation. Chepkwony emphasized the importance of a peaceful environment for implementing development projects and delivering government services, encouraging young Kenyans to acquire identification documents and register as voters.
Chepkemoi expressed that UDA women in Kericho welcomed the cooperation under the broad-based government, stressing unity among political leaders to create a conducive environment for development. She urged Kenyans to support initiatives promoting peace and national cohesion, highlighting the importance of women leaders working together across Kericho County.
Chepkemoi also pointed to several government programs impacting residents’ lives, including affordable housing, road network improvements, and the Social Health Authority (SHA). She noted that these initiatives were opening up communities and providing essential services, with women in the county actively supporting them.
The Government has positioned SHA as a key pillar of its Universal Health Coverage agenda. The Ministry of Health reported significant registration under SHA and ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen its implementation to improve healthcare access.
Women leaders emphasized that the development agenda could only be sustained in an environment of peace and political stability, calling on communities to protect development projects and participate in initiatives that improve livelihoods. Chepkemoi expressed hope for a visit from President William Ruto, stating that Kericho’s women leaders were ready to mobilize community support for the Government’s development programs.
The meeting reinforced the commitment to working together for peace, development, and encouraging youth participation in the democratic process, aligning with the Government’s broader efforts to enhance living standards and access to essential services.
