As the August 9 General Elections draw near, politicians in Trans Nzoia County are urging their fellow candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns, warning against the dangers of divisive rhetoric and violence.
Former Trans Nzoia County Senator Henry Ole Ntiema, who is vying for the seat again, cautioned citizens against being incited into violence by selfish politicians. 'Do not be incited by anyone to cause violence. It is you and your children who will suffer in the end,' he said.
Mr. Ntiema also challenged his competitors to preach peace during their election campaigns, noting that nothing can be achieved in the absence of peace. 'Peace for Trans Nzoia is Peace for the whole country because all communities live and do business here,' he said.
He also blasted the Jubilee party and some officials of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for allegedly conniving to deny him victory during the election petition in 2017. 'It is an open secret that my victory was stolen by those who plotted against me,' he said.
Other politicians, including ANC senatorial aspirant Martin Wakoli Bulimo and Independent candidate Pius Gumo, also called for peaceful campaigns, urging residents of the cosmopolitan constituency to put political party interests aside and allow them to serve as their representatives in parliament.
Endebes Member of Parliament Dr. Robert Pukose, who is defending his seat on Deputy President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA) party ticket, also called for peaceful campaigns, warning against divisive political campaigns that had in the past threatened peaceful coexistence in the constituency.
He said, 'The country has been disrupted every election year because of divisive political campaigns and disputed election results.'
Mr. Pukose also pledged to prioritize education to reduce illiteracy levels in the constituency, saying that funds from the constituency development kitty had done little for residents.
He said, 'Where has the money from the constituency development kitty for needy children been used? The money has been paying fees for learners from the neighbouring country.'
Three parliamentary aspirants who want to fill the Kiminini parliamentary seat left by Ford Kenya Secretary-general Dr. Chris Wamalwa also committed themselves to conduct their campaigns peacefully.
