National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has called on Kenyans to foster peace and unity after the August 9 General-Election.

NCIC Commissioner Philip Okundi said it is necessary for the country to heal fast and remain intact after the heightened political contests witnessed in August.

Okundi emphasised the need for Kenyans to remain united after the elections and focus on putting their elected leaders on check to ensure they deliver on their election pledges.

The commissioner at the same time lauded Kenyans for maintaining peace during the electioneering period.

Although the election was generally hotly contested, Okundi said Kenyans chose to maintain peace before, during and after the elections period, signalling a paradigm shift from the previous elections often characterised by violence.

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“We all know that every cycle of election has always been marred with tension and violence. But this time things were different and this shows that our democracy is growing,” Okundi said.

He was speaking during a stakeholders meeting in Kisumu at the weekend.

He further noted that efforts by various peace actors in sensitising citizens on peace matters had contributed to the prevailing tranquility across the country.

And in an elaborate effort to bring cohesion across the country, Okundi said NCIC is traversing counties to champion transformative leadership agenda and national unity.

He added that the commission is also committed to using the platform to rally Kenyans to embrace peace as well as exercise tolerance with one another irrespective of whether the recent political outcome was in their favour or not.

“The commission has decided after the General Election that we conduct a countrywide tour to thank Kenyans for having conducted a very highly contested election, but at the same time kept peace and as a result we ended up with a peaceful poll,” he said.

Okundi urged the national and county governments to ensure equitable distribution of resources to accelerate the development agenda.