Just days after a war of words erupted between the Democracy for the Citizen’s Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika over the impending visit of the united opposition to Nakuru County later this month, the Rift Valley Council of Elders has expressed concern over the threat to peace posed by toxic politics.

Speaking in Nakuru after their meeting, the elders said the rising political tension created by leaders is slowly shaking the foundations of peace that had been built following past painful experiences.

While reading the council’s statement, Rift Valley Council of Elders Secretary Peter Charago said leaders have increasingly begun instilling fear in communities that have long lived together cohesively and harmoniously.

“The kind of political environment that has been created by politicians is not good for this region of 14 counties. The threats to bar others from visiting certain regions and the disruption of meetings are not good indicators. We expect government agencies to do their work,” he said.

Charago further noted that the government must act on issues raised by citizens to enable closure on concerns, especially those relating to corruption, law and order, and human rights.

Ikua Ngatia, the Vice Chairman of the council, urged political leaders to be cautious in their utterances, saying their words have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

He said everyone should strive to promote peace, especially among communities in the Rift Valley, a region that hosts nearly all ethnic groups in the country.

“We don’t want to see our country slide back to the terrible moments like what we witnessed in 2007 because it will roll back the gains we have made,” he said.

Ngatia also reminded President William Ruto of his pre-election pledge to ensure peace prevails in the Rift Valley, whether he won the presidency or not, and urged him to live up to that promise.

“Let him ensure that we don’t have any chaos before, during, or after the elections. We have a society where many communities have intermarried, and it is our prayer that we continue to promote that,” he said.

Joel arap Koech, Chair of the council, said they continue to move across counties in the region to promote cohesion and encourage communities to remain vigilant amid heightened political activity.