Nakuru Interfaith Network Signs Peace Accord

With another general election beckoning, one of Kenya’s election violence hotspots is seeking a new path to avert a repeat of the chaos witnessed pre-and post-election. Nakuru, the political hotbed of Rift Valley has endured the brunt of political violence for many years.

Nakuru Interfaith Network led Religious Leaders, youth, women, and security agencies from the region in the signing of a peace accord with an aim of disseminating messages of peace and appealing to residents to remain peaceful during the election period and desist from actions that would lead to violence during the upcoming general elections.

The signing of the peace accord started with a procession of peace actors matching through the streets of Nakuru sensitizing residents of Nakuru County on the need to maintain peace during the electioneering period.

“Kenya is our only home therefore we should co-exist peacefully. We all belong to a faith community so we should have #ImaniKwaAmani Practice #ElectionsBilaNoma. When in need we turn to #JiraniYanguNduguYangu therefore #AmaniMilele“Abdirahman Ismail- Executive Director, Inter-Religious Council of Kenya

Different organizations and sections called for peace and committed to advocating for peace on their various platforms. Religious Leaders representatives from Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), Hindu Council Kenya, Kenya’s Catholic Church Department for Justice & Peace Agenda, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and security agencies were among the people who witnessed the signing of the document.

“No leader or entity will be allowed to incite communities along ethnic lines in Nakuru County; Grievances of any kind…must be addressed through institutions of government…and prosecuted irrespective of their standing in society.” – Nakuru Peace Accord

Political Leaders signed the peace charter to preach peace and uphold peaceful coexistence during this period and even after the 9th August 2022 General Elections. H.E Governor Lee Kinyanjui and Nakuru Women Rep, Hon. Liza, Chelule were among the leaders that signed the peace charter.

“Our county is a small Kenya. We have people from diverse backgrounds doing business and coexisting peacefully and this forthcoming election will not destruct our peace.” Hon. Liza Chelule-Women Rep Nakuru

The Religious Leaders and the security agencies committed to the following:

“1. That no leader or entity will be allowed to incite communities along ethnic lines in Nakuru County.

2. That grievances of any kind; including during political party primaries and over the outcome of elections, must be addressed through institutions of government, including:

a. Internal Party Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

b. Political Parties Disputes Tribunals

c. Office of the Registrar of Political Parties

d. The Courts

3. That any leader or entity who incites violence must be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of their standing in society.” – The Nakuru County Peace Accord on April 7th, 2022.