[The two day workshop was organised by National Steering Committee (NSC) on peace building supported by PACT Kenyan which is funded by USAID.] (File)A group of women leaders drawn from four counties have called on Kenyans to embrace peace as the country approaches the General Election.
The women from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and Lamu counties urged Kenyans to put the interest of the country first by ensuring the polls are peaceful.
The women leaders led by Ms Asha Surow also urged the youth to guard against being exploited by politicians to cause chaos.
Ms Surow said Kenyans especially the youth should not allow themselves to be used by politicians who will dump them once they have achieved their political goals.
Speaking at a Garissa hotel to over 100 women leaders, Ms Surow said during this election period, the women have agreed to use available forums, including that of women aspirants’ campaigns to spread peace messages across their counties.
She said women should be involved in arbitration and mediation during conflict resolution saying they are better placed to influence youth, elders and other stakeholders.
“Kenyans should emulate our leaders who exchange harsh rhetoric in public rallies but able to put them aside when they meet in social places. Politics is a one day affair and we should not allow it destroy our nation.”
“It’s no secret that women and children suffer during conflict and that is why as women, we have come together to plead with Kenyans to uphold peace during the campaigns and polls.”
“Communities should learn to differentiate politics and the need to build a country that is safe, united and better for our future generations,” Ms Surow said.