Elders call for tolerance as campaigns hot up

A section of Kikuyu Council of Elders has called for political tolerance as campaigns for 2022 polls gain momentum.

Led by their Murang’a branch chairman Kiarie Rugami, the elders said aspirants should be allowed to sell their manifestos in every part of the country but not to incite the public.

“Campaigns are already gaining momentum. We have witnessed isolated cases of intolerance in some areas. This sets a very bad precedence for the country,” he said. “Politicians should tame their tongues and avoid making utterances that can spark chaos,” he added.

Rugami urged the public to shun politicians who use them to cause chaos.
“The common mwananchi bears the brunt of the chaos when lives are lost and property destroyed,” he said.

One voice
Rugami at the same time challenged leaders from Mt Kenya region to unite and speak in one voice ahead of the 2022 General Election. He said the region has always been united but this time the situation seems to be different, as there are divisions, which he said have been brought by the leaders.

“Mt Kenya region has always spoken in one voice and vote as a block. This is what we want as elders,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Irungu Ng’ethe, who urged the electorate to be wise while electing leaders.

Ng’ethe said voters should elect leaders, who will prioritise public interest and deliver their promises.

“We have to carefully scrutinise the leaders coming to us to seek votes to see if they are up to the task,” he said.