Busia Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Kipchumba Ruto has urged the local residents to maintain peace before, during and after the forthcoming General election.
Speaking during the launch of Busia Amani Peace Run Programme at the County Commissioner’s office on Wednesday, Ruto said that election is not a matter of life and death.
“We must conduct elections in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya,” he said, adding that Kenyans should be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote.
He added that elections must be conducted in a peaceful environment hence the need to sensitize the local residents on the need to maintain peace. “We appeal to Kenyans to respect each other’s choice of candidate and avoid fighting along political lines,” he said adding that there is need for patriotism.
The DCC at the same time said that the security team would be vigilant to ensure that there is peace throughout the election exercise. “We are asking political aspirants to desist from hate speech and causing incitement,” he said, adding that aspirants should be guided by wisdom.
Ruto further urged youth to resist being misused by political aspirants explaining that elections will come and go. “We shall provide maximum security in all parts of the county,” he said, urging the local residents to come out in large numbers and vote on August 9.
Busia Red Cross Vice chairman David Erulu thanked the government for coming up with the initiative to maintain peace. Erulu reiterated that youth should not be misused by politicians but instead maintain peace.
The forum brought together National Government Administrative Officers, National Police Service, Government Department heads, Civil Society Organizations, the media and a section of members of the public who participated in a five kilometer walk within Busia town to sensitize the locals on the need to maintain peace.
