Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha has asked Kenyans to desist from being misused by politicians to cause chaos.
Speaking in Lamu on Tuesday, Twaha called for peace from all Kenyans before, during and after the general election.
In 2017, Twaha won the Lamu governor seat on a Jubilee Party ticket after defeating former governor Issa Timamy of Amani National Congress.
Twaha urged fellow politicians to speak and preach peace in their campaign rallies to foster the spirit of unity and cohesion among the public.
“We have no other option than to ensure we campaign peacefully and go into the elections in the same spirit and ensure that stay so even after the elections," Twaha said.
The governor’s sentiments come just a week after the Lamu Council of Elders criticised the National Cohesion and Integration Commission for failing to take action against politicians who spread hate.
The council chairperson Salim Sharif said the commission was already showing signs of not being able to handle troublesome politicians whose hateful utterances could throw the country into unprecedented chaos if not tamed on time.
“The commission banned the use of some words yet we still hear politicians use them without a care in the world and nothing is done," he said.
"History has it that hate speech has been responsible for much of the political conflicts we have had in this country. We want to see NCIC arrest and prosecute such.”
The council is encouraging residents to walk away from rallies of politicians who are hell-bent on inciting them.
“Let people pick their words carefully. We are also telling the people of Lamu to walk away from any gatherings where politicians have nothing to say except hate speech. Don't allow your minds to be poisoned by such people," they said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
