Let's keep our families from poll chaos, Zipporah Kittony urges women

Zipporah Kittony (left) with some of the women honoured for their achievements in the society during the meeting at KICC. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Women across the country have been urged to advocate for peace in the society during the count down to the August 9 elections.

This is because of the pivotal role women hold in the society, which is believed to be a glue that binds the family fabric. The call was made during a meeting to celebrate years of resilience of women in the country. The meeting was held at the Kenya International Convention Center (KICC).

Former Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Chairperson Zipporah Kittony said women should learn to resolve conflict rather than igniting friction in the society.

“We are Kenya women and Kenya peace is our business. We should guide our families and not ignite our spouses and sons into political violence so that after August 9, we will be victorious,” said Kittony.

She noted that the call is critical for peaceful co-existence, urged Universal Peace Federation, who were the organisers of the meeting, to make the event a routine rather than wait till election time.

“Peace campaign should be a regular thing. We should not wait for the election season and start the campaign drive. Let peace be our daily speech and spread a gospel of peaceful existence to all at all times,” said Kittony.

During the meeting the Federation awarded imminent women for being peace ambassadors and for their efforts in connecting the societies through peace. Among them were Chief Justice Martha Koome and Senior Counsel Martha Karua who was awarded for her fight for democratic space in the country.

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi’s daughters were awarded for their humanitarian organisation that reaches to different groups.

The award was received by their mother, Zahra Moi. Others were Senator Naisula Lesuda’s foundation, for its campaign on keeping girls in school in Maasai land. Dorcas Kedogo, who is a commissioner at National Cohesion and Integration Commission was awarded for her role in ensuring peace prevails in her areas of jurisdiction.

Tecla Lorupe, sport personality who through her foundation preaches peace in Kerio Valley was also awarded. Different women and men from the 47 counties were also awarded for their role in humanitarian services.

Ida Odinga, in a speech read on her behalf, said women play a key role in finding world peace by exhibiting the heart to live for others.

Ida said women stand on the shared ground committed to the path of promoting reconciliation, overcoming barriers and building peace.