Kaya elders call for peace as polls near

By Joseph Masha and David Ochami

Kaya elders in Kilifi County have called for peaceful campaigns as Kenyans prepare to vote on March 4.

Speaking at Vitengeni in Ganze District on Wednesday, Kaya leader Kenga Mangi said Kenyans are not ready to witness the violence that hit the country after the 2007/2008 disputed polls. He urged politicians to conduct their campaigns peacefully.

Mr Mangi said formation of groups, which are involved in criminal activities should be blamed on the politicians who want to win the election through dubious means.

Also the chairman of Ganze District cultural association, Mangi said as Kaya leaders, they were committed to preach peace and unity to all.

“Politicians should not use the electioneering period to divide Kenyans by trading tribal politics,” said Mangi.

He said the seven sub tribes of the Mijikenda community living in Kilifi County should shun politicians who are out to cause hatred among them for their selfish gains.

He said members of the Mijikenda have been co-existing as one for many years, but some politicians are now injecting hatred in their blood.

Mangi, who is in charge of Kaya Godama at Mrima wa Ndege, urged both Muslim and Catholic religious leaders to preach peace in their institutions.

Peace forums

“Kaya, political and religious leaders have a duty to preach peace and unity among Kenyans and I am taking this opportunity to urge them to start peace forums,” said Mangi.

A governor aspirant in Kilifi County, Amason Kingi, told voters to ignore leaders preaching tribal politics.

Mr Kingi, who is also the Minister for Fisheries Development, said people in the area have to be careful when identifying their leaders before the coming polls.

He said the county had lagged behind in development for many years due to poor leadership and urged voters to vote in development conscious leaders.

“The county is one of the regions endowed with a lot of natural resources but the area has remained poor because leaders who have been in power have failed to tap development potential,” said Kingi.

The minister called upon voters in the area to avoid electing leaders along  tribal lines.

muslims’ participation

Meanwhile, a lobby group has advised Muslims to consider participation in elections as a religious duty, arguing they should not engage in ‘continuous lamentation’ or shun the ballot.

The Muslim Leader Forum Initiative (MLF) released a report assessing Muslim interests and participation in national elections since independence.

It shows that the faithful have been half hearted and disjointed when it comes to engaging in positive electoral action to enhance their bargaining power but quick to claim marginalisation.

Speaking in Mombasa on Wednesday, MLF’s Secretary General Hassan Ole Naado said that a dutiful Muslim should take a keen interest in political and electoral so as to foster positive change in society.