Politicians from Gusii community have been urged to be tolerant to each other regardless of their political affiliation and persuasion.
Speaking during annual meeting by Abagusii elders at the cultural centre on Thursday evening, the elders sampled from all 14 constituencies in Nyamira and Kisii counties urged politicians to desist from dividing the community along political lines.
They insisted the need to promote democracy and freedom of speech among members of the community towards embracing diversity among its members.
“Being a certain political party or supporting a particular candidate does not make you a less or a superior Kenyans. We are living in the modern world that enhances democracy. We ought to respect people’s political persuasion because it’s their choice,” said Mr Peter Nyanchoka on behalf of the elders.
They urged residents to choose leaders based on their potential rather than political party or their influence in the national politics.
“This is a new dispensation and we have to accept that. The era or being blind folded to join a certain political party is long gone. Let us choose leaders based on their potential to help transform the society positively and not their political parties,” he added.
They ruled out endorsing leaders to certain positions as a way of promoting democracy in the region.
“We observe political tolerance and therefore, everyone is free to choose whoever they think is fit in a certain office. What we are against though is the situation where someone tries hard to divide people on political party affiliation. That is unacceptable,” said Matundura Nyagaka.