Civil society groups in Malindi hold peace walk ahead of polls

Civil society organizations in Malindi on Saturday organised a peace walk in the town to sensitise members of the public on the importance of peacefully elections on August 9.

Senior assistant Chief Nicodemus Mwayele who officially flagged off the walk said it brought together civil society organisation (CSOs), Nyumba 10 elders and Kazi Mtaani youth.

“We want peace during the elections and even after the elections so that we live peacefully in our town,” Mwayele said.

Donned in T-shirts, reflector jackets and carrying banners and placards with messages of peace, group marched from the Shella Assistant Chief’s office to the town center and other areas within the town to spread the message of peace during the elections.

The T-shirts had messages of USAID Act , Kenya Electoral Conflict mitigation and civic/voter education support Program, Kiongozi wangu Jukumu Langu at the back  ‘Muhuri mtetezi wa haki while the reflector jackets bore the message ‘Elections Bila Noma kataa Kutumiwa’ which loosely translates to “Elections without violence do not accept to be used’

The banners also had messages of ‘Vijana tunaweza Tu-Vote Bila Fujo Kilifi County Kudumisha Amani Ni wajibu wetu among others.

Mwayele said the government is hunting some politicians who are allegedly buying identity cards from voters.

“We are following up on the politician very closely because he is buying the Identity cards with an aim of destroying votes,” he said.

The Chief called on youth to desist from being used by politicians to cause violence adding that the little money they are given could lead to bloodshed.

Nuru Salim, an activist of peace from Malindi said as CSOs came together to sensitize the public on the importance of peace during these elections.

“Most of the time it is us youth whpo are being used to cayuse violence that's why we have come together as youth to sensitize others because it is our responsibility to vote peacefully,” she said.

Afitye Swale from Muslim For Human Rights (MUHURI) who is in the field coordinator said the peace walk was aimed at unf0orming people to vote peacefully so that peace prevails.

“The aim of this peace walk is to spread the message of peace to everyone so as to ensure we remain peacefully during and after the elections,” she said.

Helda Lameck a Gender-Based Activist from Malindi called on residents and all Kenyans to remain p[eaceul so as to live as brothers and sisters.

“Let's Stop Fighting and vote peacefully we need each other and we shall remain brothers, sisters, and neighbors,” she said.

Emmanuel Omondi Chairperson Malindi peace youth Netwwork said peace is important every day that's why as youth they are in the forfront in preaching peace.