Garissa partners with NGOs for peace campaigns

The Garissa government has launched campaigns to educate residents on the importance of peace before, during and after election.

The county in partnership with Garissa- based NGOs such as Woman Kind Kenya and Kesho Alliance, led peace processions along Kismayu road on Tuesday.

The procession, which constituted mostly of youth also included Garissa deputy county commissioner Solomon Chesut, OCPD James Ngetich, senior county staff and activists.

The team that started by cleaning up the town, later held a football tournament between residents and police officers at the Garissa Primary School play grounds.

The tournament aimed at fostering peace and solidarity.

Chesut said such interactions with members of the community are important as they go along way in building trust between them.

He said for security to be at its best, the input of all stakeholders must be incorporated.

“As security apparatus we cannot operate in isolation. We have to closely work with members of the public. However, we must first see each other as partners and friends, not enemies.

"It must also be remembered that we are a border county and our eyes are focused on the threat of al Shabaab. However, having our youth preoccupied is important since it reduces idleness, which leads to them being lured into these militant groups,” Chesut said.

Residents have for along accused security agents of being 'unfriendly'.

This they say has contributed to them not availing information on impending threats.

Woman Kind official Osman Yahya said NGOs play an integral role in the society and appealed for more cooperation between them and government agencies.

"We are all agents of peace and when the same is disrupted, then we are all affected.

"Youth who in most cases used to cause violence should be in the forefront promoting peace. Let's not be those who violate peace. Let's vote peacefully," he said.

Garissa director of Special Programmes Abdinoor Ole said such initiatives are important in building cohesion and integration among the youth and the security forces.

“This programme is timely as we're now headed to election. We are requesting our youth not be misused by politicians," he said.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)