People who were displaced during the 2007/08 post-election violence have petitioned presidential candidates to commit to peace and caution their supporters against violence.

They observed that leaders had retreated to their tribal cocoons to whip up emotions which could turn disastrous.

Speaking yesterday in Nakuru during the commemoration of the peace accord signed by President Mwai Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga in 2008, the IDPs said leaders should emulate the two politicians.

Grim memories

They met at the Nakuru ASK showground where they also held prayers ahead of the August elections.

Internally Displaced Persons Network chairman Patrick Githinji said they also used the occasion to remember those who died during the clashes 14 years ago.

He said many of them were yet to fully heal from the events adding that political intolerance evokes grim memories of that dark period.

“This is the only country we have. Let us not allow selfish leaders to incite us to fight our neighbours for their interests. We are the ones who will be left with the wounds,” said Githinji.

The group’s coordinator Lucy Njeri lauded Kibaki and Raila for the signing of the peace accord saying as the country approaches the leaders of the next election need to be careful about what they say.

National Council of Churches of Kenya Nakuru County chair Bishop Peter Muiruri said Kenyans should not be divided by politics.

He said the 2007/08 events were unfortunate and added that the church is rooting for peace in the August polls.