[Governor Nathif Jama who is defending his seat. A muslim cleric wants the leaders to preach peace.] (the-star.co.ke)A Muslim cleric has challenged politicians in Garissa County to commit to peace and stop spewing hate messages as the country moves toward holding an election.
Sultan of the Aulian clan Hamud Sheikh on Wednesday singled out the Garissa gubernatorial and the Garissa Township seats as the highly contested. He said the two positions have generated a lot of heat in the county.
“Although we have never witnessed political violence in Garissa, it is good to be proactive. I am not predicting any violence, but as an elder, I feel we should not take things for granted,” Hamud said as quoted by the Star.
Governor Nathif Jama is facing stiff competition from Ali Korane (Jubilee Party). In the race for Garissa Township MP seat, Parliament Majority Leader Aden Duale is facing off against former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim.
The Sultan said politicians should be at the forefront preaching peace and telling residents to avoid violence.
He said the IEBC and the NCIC should convene a meeting where all aspirants will agree to promote peace in the county.
“The same should be communicated to the electorate through a baraza, where all the aspirants commit to using civil language and holding peaceful rallies,” Hamud said. He said the meeting should be convened when Ramadhan ends.
“It is for this reason that we want the politicians to come together, shake hands and swear that they will carry out peaceful campaigns, devoid of confrontation.”