Elders from all 42 tribes in the country should be empowered in a bid to strengthen peaceful coexistence among Kenyan communities, Kisii county deputy governor Joash Maangi has said.
Maangi made the plea at Gusii Cultural centre on Thursday evening when he paid the Abagusii council of elders a courtesy call.
He said elders had played a pivotal role in the Kenyan history, citing a case during 2007/08 post-election violence when elders from Gusii and Kipsigis communities held a series of meetings to condemn the violence that had rocked Borabu-Sotik border.
“I want to be clear that elders are integral part of governance. They play a critical role on promoting peace and integration and it is therefore a duty of all county governments to empower them by promoting activities initiated by them,” Maangi said.
He urged elders to always advice leadership from the ward to national level on matters governance and peaceful coexistence to avert any chances of the county or communities going to chaos.
“And it is important that as elders, you advise us when we as leaders mess. You have the authority to summon us and give a piece of advice. As Kisii County, we are always ready to support all the activities that you initiate,” he added.
Maangi, who is also the chairman of council for deputy governors, urged media to carry out investigative pieces before unearthing the alleged wrongdoings by the county governments.
“I have been seeing various reports about county governments especially on matters corruption. It’s very important for media to be objective by reporting the truth instead of depending on one source,” he said.