By Nick Oluoch
Political parties in Southern Nyanza have signed a memorandum of understanding to maintain peace throughout the election period.
Party members signed the memorandum after attending a peace workshop?organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation – The African Centre for Volunteers (ACV) in Migori town.
Speaking after signing the agreement, Mr Omondi Otieno, the executive director of the AVC said it was important for leaders to agree on peaceful elections and pass the message to their party members at the grassroots.
“These are the opinion leaders who people listen to and by signing the memorandum, they are promising their party supporters do not get involved in violence during and after the elections.”
Omondi, however, took issue with legislators from the region, saying they had failed to attend the forum despite having been invited.
Saying he had personally talked to a number who had promised to be there, he pointed out the county was keen to move forward even in their absence.
“We will continue to sensitise locals to embrace peace and shun leaders who preach?violence and divisive politics,” he added.
Effects of violence
Otieno said cases of violence have had far reaching effects including deaths, displacements and destruction of property,?which cannot be tolerated anymore.
Several party officials representing ODM, Kanu and UDF attended?the function and signed a peace accord binding them to keep peace during the polls.
Former Energy assistant?minister Shadrack Manga said peace was paramount for the county to achieve Vision 2030 and asked leaders?to avoid causing unnecessary tribal conflicts between residents. He explained that fears of marginalisation by the majority still exists in some counties like Migori. ?
The participants criticised Parliament for the slow passage of Bills aimed at effecting the implementation of the new Constitution.
