The government is mapping out violence hotspots and intensifying security surveillance and peace meetings in Western Kenya ahead of August polls.
Most of the areas include those that have administrative boundaries disputes. They include Kisumu-Nandi, Kericho-Kisumu and Vihiga-Kisumu and Nandi–Vihiga.
Communities living along the disputed border have been meeting to foster peace.
Vihiga County Rural Services Programme, led by coordinator Liston Ayodi, held talks with local political players, security agencies and communities to promote peace.
Other areas where RSP has been conducting peace meetings include Sondu along the Kericho-Kisumu border, Maseno on Vihiga-Kisumu border, Kuvasali on Kakamega-Nandi border, Koibarak on Vihiga-Nandi border and Mt Elgon.
"We will be meeting frequently to exchange information and jointly agree on how to address emerging conflict dynamics and governance issues in the larger Western region," Ayodi said.
According to Ayodi, Kenyans tend to lose an average of one year in every five-year election cycle because of election-related activities, including campaigns, election process and post-election violence.
Nandi South resident Benson Kanyangi said issues that threaten peace should be addressed to avoid election-related tension at the border of Vihiga and Nandi counties.
"We want peaceful coexistence between our communities. We know matters of land have always been a major concern. We must embrace our diversity and explore better channels in addressing these issues," Joseph Keya from Vihiga said.
Residents of Nandi and Vihiga counties also want authorities to deal with illicit brew, saying some criminals use chang’aa dens as hideouts.
Edited by A.N
