Elders condemn hate leaflets, call for peaceful polls

Elders from Uasin Gishu County have condemned the circulation of hate leaflets in various parts of the county ahead of the General Election.

While addressing the media in Eldoret town, the elders said residents have co-existed peacefully over the years and do not anticipate violence.

"We are a peaceful county, and we will rise above these cheap gimmicks that are meant to divide us. We will continue preaching peace and embracing brotherhood," said Mr John Yego, a Kaburwo elder.

Mr Yego said that the county has enjoyed peace, and politics should not divide them.

"This county belongs to all Kenyans. We have lived here with our brothers and sisters from other communities, and our children have intermarried. How can anyone claim now that this region belongs to a certain community when all we know is peace and love," questioned Yego.

Mr David Nyambane, who is the chair of the Kisii council of elders in the county, condemned the distribution of the leaflets, urging residents to rise above dirty politics.

"We have combined efforts into restoring peace in this region, and we do not want to see a few people watering down our efforts," said Mr Nyambane.

Mr Abdullahi Abdi, the chair of the Somali elders, said that the county has enjoyed peace over the years and they were hopeful the same would continue even after the polls.

"We have co-existed peacefully over the years. We have lived here, and we know more about our county to believe reports meant to profile our region," said Mr Abdi. Agikuyu council of elders chair, Mr Gatonye Kimani asked security personnel to investigate the issue of the leaflets.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) listed Uasin Gishu among five other perceived hotspot areas including Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Kericho and Mombasa.