Mbeere elders pledge to advocate for peace among communities

Mbeere elders have agreed to champion for peace among the five major communities of Mbeere South.

Ngome council of elders and Mwangaza council of elders came up with the resolution owing to the fact that election is near.

The two groups reached an agreement on Wednesday after a meeting at Kiritiri, Embu.

They agreed to blur the clan divisions witnessed in the past as a result of political instability and lack of development projects in the constituency.

Ngome council of elders led by chairperson Eston Nthiga said politicians take advantage of the disunity to split the communities along clans and tribes.

“There’s need for unity among Mbeere South communities. We lack development projects due to division caused by the leaders we elect,” he said.

Mbeere South borders Machakos and is home to people from different counties.

Nthiga said there was tension over borders with each community pushing for their identity.

However, he said they have resolved to unite and advocate for peace more so during campaigns and election.

“We have agreed there’s no discrimination based on tribes and clans, we will work together as residents of Mbeere South. There was a tension of people wishing to be identified by their communities but we have all agreed to unite,” Nthiga said.

The elders said the clergy should deny aspirants opportunities to campaign in churches.

They said some leaders use the church to sow seeds of division among the people of Mbeere South.

Nerbert Muriuki the patron of Mwangaza council of elders and a Mbeere South MP aspirant said fellow aspirants should conduct peaceful campaigns.

“We have been fighting the tribal divisions and we urge everyone to take responsibility and refuse to be divided on the basis of tribalism,” he said.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)