Ministry to host elders’ meeting

By Beatrice Obwocha and Esther Wanjiku

The Ministry of Justice has planned a national conference in November for community elders to foster peace and co-existence.

Assistant Minister William Cheptumo said a similar one for women and youth would follow the conference, organised by the National Cohesion Department.

He said the conferences would bring together representatives from all ethnic groups and encourage them to foster peace since participants are respected within their community.

"Tribalism is killing us and we must deal with it," the minister said.

Proposed laws

Mr Cheptumo gave an example of Rwanda where it is illegal to refer to anyone by ethnicity.

"We can shun tribalism without losing our identity. Tribalism is the root of most of our problems," he added.

At the same time, Cheptumo called upon Kenyans to come out and give their views on the proposed Constitution when it is brought out for public debate.

He said Kenyans should not shy away from the debate as their future depended on it.

Speaking during the launch of the Public Service Week in Nakuru, Cheptumo also called for thorough investigations on allegations of arms race in the Rift Valley.