Matiang’i pitches for Peace in Nyamira, Narok and Bomet borders

Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, has urged communities living along the boundaries of Nyamira, Narok and Bomet counties to resist attempts to divide them along political lines.

Speaking during an interdenominational prayer meeting at the Ensoko border market Saturday, the Cabinet Secretary hailed the neighbouring communities for working together to end historic conflicts that have previously plagued the area.

“For those who know our history, we experienced violent conflicts from the 1970s to 1990s with relentless frequency. We thank God because in the past ten years, there have been no major clashes, save for pockets of squabbling,” the CS said.

Dr. Matiang’i attributed the reduced conflicts to peace-building efforts by the State and religious leaders noting that the efforts have led to a near-elimination of the once endemic cattle rustling menace.

He directed the County Commissioners of the three counties to work closely with religious leaders in the area to ensure peace prevailed in the entire electioneering period around the General Election.

He hailed the Church-State partnership in fostering peaceful coexistence and in stamping out crime and social vices and urged for greater cooperation to ensure a peaceful General Election. pic.twitter.com/V6MkqD02XZ

— Ministry of Interior (@InteriorKE) February 26, 2022

He specifically called on religious leaders to guide their followers in resisting political incitement to protect the neighbors from negative effects of the campaign season.

“Let’s not behave as if the world is coming to an end in August this year. We have children we are raising and we need to show them a good example in the manner in which we conduct ourselves. This is the time for us to live as a family and ensure our country remains united. Elections come and go,” he said.

The CS proposed that the interdenominational prayers meeting be held annually to optimize the benefits.

He said the Government was on the lookout for the arrest and prosecution of politicians inciting their followers and sponsoring violence.