PEV widows warn against inciteful rhetoric

Samuel Genyelo inspects his tent at Maili Nne in Uasin Gishu County on 7/4/2016. Genyelo was displaced in the 2007-08 post election violence. [File]

More than 100 women who lost their husbands during the 2007-08 Post-Election Violence in Rift Valley want politicians to stop inciting people to fight.

The women from across the North Rift region expressed concern over the current political landscape pitting Kieleweke and Tanga Tanga.

They spoke at Burnt Forest during a meeting aimed at uniting the women who lost their husbands in the skirmishes.

Jane Wambui and Caroline Chepkosgey of the Glorious Widows Group appealed to the government to arrest leaders who make ruthless statements.

They said the country still needs continuous peace drives and prayers, especially for those who lost their husbands, relatives and property.

“We are tired of political wrangling among leaders. We want the leaders to reconcile,” Wambui said.

Jane Otieno, who lost a husband and sister during the skirmishes, said there will be no peace if the government does not prosecute politicians.

“We are wondering why some leaders are trying to ensure we remain divided. We are asking President Uhuru Kenyatta to deal with these cases once and for all,” Atieno said

They asked all communities to co-exist as brothers and sisters and condemn leaders who threaten their peace.

During the event the group also donated clothes and food to their fellow widows.

“The donations are from well-wishers. We urge more people, including the government, to support this noble cause,” said Grace Rotich, a widow from Ndungulu.

Rev Peter Gitau of Kamuyu PEFA Church petitioned Central Kenya politicians to be cautious with their remarks, saying there are members of the Kikuyu community living in the Rift Valley.