Maasais pray for peace and unity

By Antony Gitonga

The Maasai community in Naivasha spent a week praying for peace ahead of the General Election.

Dubbed the ‘Seven Days of Prayer for Peace’ tears were shed and commitments made during the event.

During the ceremony, held once a year, an expectant cow was slaughtered as a show of unity.

Over 300 members from the community came together in Olo-longonot Baptist Church in Olkaria where they danced, made merry, and prayed.

Unity calls

They also took time to pray for the country, urging Kenyans to remain united whatever the outcome of the elections.

Led by South Rift region head Bishop John Koina, the leaders said Kenya was larger than individuals and politics should not be allowed to divide the country.

"We all saw what happened during the post-election violence and we should all work towards a lasting peace in Kenya," said Koina.

He called on politicians to respect the will of Kenyans and preach peace during their campaigns.

The community leader Maenga ole Kisotu termed the 2007-2008 violence as the darkest period in Kenya’s history.

Lasting peace

He said the Maasai were known for war but this had changed and they were committed to lasting peace.

Kisotu called on the communities living in Naivasha to preach peace and reconciliation adding that what occurred in 2008 should never be allowed to happen again.

"We have met here to pray for Kenya so that the bloody violence we experience in 2007 is not repeated," said Kisotu.

On his part Olo-longonot Baptist Church head pastor John Karani said the church would continue to bring the community together and live in peace.

About 1,000 people died during the 2007-2008 post-election violence and many Kenyans would not want a repeat of similar chaos in the polls.