Uasin gishu: Uasin Gishu residents have been urged to become ambassadors of peace by cultivating a sustainable peaceful environment from the grassroots level, ensuring future generations embrace peace as a foundation for societal and national development.
According to Kenya News Agency, this call was made during the 2025 International Day of Peace celebrations, held at Huruma Grounds in Turbo Sub County under the theme ‘Act Now for a Peaceful World.’ Stakeholders from across the county emphasized that peace begins at the personal and family level before extending to communities and the nation.
Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Ibrahim Hassan, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Senior Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Dorothy Matelong, highlighted the challenges threatening peace in the county. These include ethnic and political tensions, youth unemployment and idleness, drug and substance abuse, land and housing disputes, weak family and community structures, crime and gangs, and mistrust between the community and security systems.
He urged the youth to shun drugs, crime, alcohol abuse, and divisive politics, instead channeling their energy into constructive activities such as education, sports, and entrepreneurship. Parents and elders, he said, have a responsibility to instill values of respect, honesty, and tolerance in children, while community leaders should guide people toward dialogue, harmony, and peaceful coexistence.
‘Let us reflect on our individual role in peacebuilding. Peace is not just the absence of conflict-it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and respect for one another,’ DCC Hassan said. He further urged residents to reject hatred, rumors, and incitement, and commit themselves to defending, spreading, and sustaining peace to make Uasin Gishu a model of unity and progress.
Uasin Gishu County Peace Monitor, Viola Sang, stressed that collective and individual action is necessary to foster peace globally. She emphasized the importance of promoting non-violence, respect for diversity, and challenging inequality as a way to build mutual understanding.
County Peace Committee Chairman, Rev. Timothy Kipchirchir Bamai, echoed the call, urging especially the youth to avoid divisive politics that often polarize communities. ‘Let us live in peace and drive our nation forward in terms of development,’ he said.
The Turbo Sub County security team, led by Deputy County Police Commander (DCPC) Patrick Wekesa, encouraged stronger collaboration between residents and law enforcement agencies. He noted that timely sharing of information on criminal activities is critical in curbing insecurity.
‘Let’s keep peace to reduce crime and ensure a secure environment that supports business and other economic activities,’ Wekesa added.
The event also featured a peaceful procession along Uganda Road in Eldoret City, where peace actors and residents marched to Huruma Grounds to demonstrate their unity and commitment to peace.
As Uasin Gishu marked the International Day of Peace, the unifying message remained clear: peace starts with individuals, grows within families, and spreads across communities to secure a stable and prosperous nation.