Marsabit County: Residents of Songa-Badaasa area in Marsabit County have vowed to maintain peace ahead of and after the August 8 elections following the recent ethnic clashes and killings witnessed in the region.
During a peace meeting convened by Act! in partnership with County Security agencies, residents acknowledged that increased political activities were sparking tension amongst the various communities, especially those living along Songa-Badaasa boundary.
According to the Deputy Administration Police Commander Saku sub-county, Hassan Soba, the government is committed in ensuring calm is restored in the region. Soba called on the two warring communities- Rendille and Borana, to embrace peace and reject calls from politicians sowing seeds of hatred among them.
“Let us reject the politics of tribe and the politics of division. Let us unite, embrace peace and move forward together,” he said.
Act!’s County Program Officer Paul Lekapana called on the County Security Administration to work closely with the communities and community based peace structures to curb possible clashes in the run up to and after the elections.
“Marsabit is a cosmopolitan County and residents need to live in harmony before, during and after the August elections” said Lekapana.
His sentiments were echoed by the Deputy County Commissioner, Saku Sub-County Joseph Nyakwara who appealed to the locals to preach peace and focus on other development issues in the area.
Nyakwara also warned politicians against instigating violence in the area adding that whoever was found guilty will be prosecuted for the offences committed.
The peace meeting is part of a series of peace initiatives that Act! is conducting in various Counties that have been identified as possible hotspots for electoral conflicts, with the view of educating communities on the need to maintain peace ahead of the elections.
In partnership with various key stakeholders, Act! has formed conflict management panels in Isiolo, Marsabit, Meru, Garissa, Nairobi, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi,Kwale and Mombasa counties to help prevent and mediate electoral conflicts and violence ahead and after the general elections.
