County first ladies from Nyanza and Western Kenya region have called for peaceful coexistence among Kenyans as the country prepares for much anticipated 2017 polls.
Led by Kisii County’s Elizabeth Ongwae, the governors wives called for political tolerance to avert the mounting tension among political parties.
“On behalf of all these women, I would like to challenge Kenyans to live together in peace regardless of our tribe, race or religion. Kenya is bigger than any of us,” she said.
“Our political environment should be free and favourable to all of us. There is no need for unprecedented political temperatures given the elections are more than 15 months away. Let us learn to have harmony between all political parties,” Mrs Ongwae added.
They urged political parties to stage a dialogue over the embattled IEBC commissioners who are under immense pressure from opposition Cord to resign.
”We also find it important to call for talks over the IEBC. We want peace and peace starts with all political players. Let all political establishments sit down and dialogue over the IEBC without putting the country in unnecessary political crisis,” she added.
Her sentiments were echoed by their host Naomi Nyagarama during the Sunday fundraiser for Nyamira Catholic Church.
“As Kenyan women, we want peace because that is the only way we are guaranteed safety. It is women and children who suffer so it’s important that talks are held over some of critical issues that can culminate in political violence,” she said.
Also present were governors wives from Kisumu, Bungoma, Kakamega, Migori, Homabay, Siaya and Vihiga.