- The dinner was dominated by peace messages following the recent burning of a church and mosque in the area.
- Speaking during the event, Odede urged all communities in Kibera to co-exist peacefully and concentrate on development instead of politics.
Image: HANDOUT
Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco) Founder and CEO Kennedy Odede on Thursday hosted hundreds of Muslim community members for Iftar.
The dinner was dominated by peace messages following the recent burning of a church and mosque in the area.
Speaking during the event, Odede urged all communities in Kibera to co-exist peacefully and concentrate on development instead of politics.
“Peace is not talking; it is about action. What we have done here is peace because we have come together and shared a meal as one people," he said.
“As Shofco CEO, I’ve always ensured that the Kibera community co-exist as one despite many tribes living here. Our projects serve everyone regardless of the tribe and that is what we must all do to change Kibera.”
The Shofco boss further said he will roll out more empowerment programs for the youth so that they are not misused by politicians.
“We must train our youth and give them jobs so that they are not misused by politicians. We must have a plan on how we can empower our youth and I will take lead in doing so,” he stated.
“Everyone is allowed to work for the people. It is not a must to join politics in order to help people.”
Lindi Ward Member of County (MCA) Ochieng Jera, who attended the event, called on the area residents to avoid being divided by politicians along tribal lines.
“We are ready as political leaders to bring community leaders from all tribes together. What happened recently was not a tribal fight. It was politics," Jera said.
“Someone sat somewhere and said the only way to send away some communities was to burn a church and mosque. God stood firm and that’s why everything cooled down within a very short time.”
On his part, Nairobi County Director of Health Services Musa Mohamed thanked Shofco for being a great partner in providing health care services in slums.
“We have worked very well with Shofco in providing health services to the slum residents and we are hoping to continue doing the same into the future.
“What we are only requesting Odede to do here in Kibera is to bring a safe house for children who have been assaulted in the community. As Shofco, you have done good work in Mathare where you are running a safe house,” Mohamed said.
Shofco has been at the forefront of preaching peace in slum and marginalized communities across Kenya which are always the target when violence erupts especially during political season.
The organisation was lauded last year after carrying out peace initiatives across 11 slums in Nairobi that remained calm after the August 9 general election.
"Our message was simple; your neighbour is your brother and sister. If you have any problem, they are the ones who respond first," Shofco Urban Network Nairobi region chairperson Risper Awino said, noting the network engaged in door-to-door peace meetings before and after the election period.
"Let’s love our neighbours as it has been, and politics should not divide us. We told Kibera residents that there are no tribes in the slums, the only tribe we know is Kenya and that we should be vigilant not to be used by politicians to disrupt the peace,” she added.
Lindi Ward Member of County (MCA) Ochieng Jera, who attended the event, called on the area residents to avoid being divided by politicians along tribal lines.