In a bid to foster peace ahead of the forthcoming general election in August, various stakeholders within Siaya county led by County Commissioner Jim Njoka joined by NGAO stakeholders including the youth community of the area took to the streets of Siaya Town for a peace walk to sensitize the public on the need to maintain peace before during and after the elections.
The peace walk which culminated in a signing of the peace charter by the County Commissioner will also be brought before the political class and aspiring politicians to commit to a peaceful election devoid of any violence in the County.
“Uchaguzi bila noma, is the clarion call that we are using for this peace campaign so that at least this year’s elections can have a difference, where we have peaceful elections without violence,” said the County Commissioner while speaking to KNA.
Njoka also used the opportunity to call forth the public to come out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right and vote for their proffered candidates adding that polling stations will be open at 6:00am on August 9, and it is the civic duty of all citizens to cast their votes.
“Bad leaders are elected by good people like you who refuse to vote,” added Njoka.
According to the County Commissioner the youth are vulnerable to be misused or manipulated by the political class, citing that one of the major threats to a peaceful election is the unemployed youth boda boda operators who can be used to disrupt peace, and so as a deterrent it is important that the youth be placed at the forefront of civic education on their importance in ensuring peace is maintained and no one takes advantage of youth in malicious ways.
“We are appealing to the youth this time round to participate by voting in good leaders and also by desisting from being used by the politicians,” said Mr. Njoka.