Former Labour CAS Patrick Ntutu has urged the Maasai and Kipsigis communities bordering Nakuru and the Masai Mau forest to live in peace.
He wants to run for Narok governor on the UDA ticket.
Ntutu said constant insecurity obstructs social and economic development.
Speaking at Olpusimoru ward in Narok North, Ntutu said there are better ways of solving conflicts instead of using tribal issues that cause more harm than solutions.
“The existing peace between these two communities should continue because a peaceful environment leads to more development. The elders from both sides should sit down and iron out differences,” Ntutu said.
He resigned from the government last week to concentrate on politics.
Ntutu said that many differences can be easily resolved without fighting.
“We need to give dialogue a chance as issues can undermine the peace of the whole area, and even beyond," he said.
“We commend the job being done by our security agencies in ensuring peace prevails."
He said tribalism has been overtaken by time. "Tribalism does not value life."
The former CAS said leaders from the two tribes should be on the frontline, preaching peace, reconciliation and unity.
He warned politicians to stop making comments that can cause "panic and despondency" among Kenyans, especially before the general election.
Ntutu said leaders should put the interests of the country before their own.
"Politicians must weigh their words while speaking in public lest they cause unnecessary tribal tension," he said.
The sentiment comes at a time when two communities agreed to bury their differences and embrace peace for the sake of development in the area.
The two communities have engaged in communal wars that left many dead and tens of houses burnt.
(Edited by V. Graham)
