Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission(NCIC) not to wait for violence before acting.
Speaking when she presided over this year’s International Peace Day, Kihika said peace is paramount for any development to be realized.
According to Kihika, a country that has experienced violence in the past, now understands better the importance of peace.
She at the same time called on Politicians to shun divisive politics and ensure a cohesive society.
The vocal Kihika called on NCIC to also take action against politicians who are turning their communities into political weapons.
“Politicians should not be allowed to turn their communities into political weapons. They should be investigated and the law enforced,” she said.
Kihika also lauded the National Cohesion and Integration Committee for choosing Nakuru, the most cosmopolitan county in the country, as the host.
During the event, Kihika reminded the public of the centrality of peace in a democracy and culture and the need to respect and embrace diversity and avoid acts that lead to violence at the altar of peace.
“We can disagree but must not dress hate as courage and disunity as patriotism. In Nakuru, a county most affected by epochs of ethnic violence, we are building peace differently. We are building peace through quality, affordable, and timely health; through skilling of our youths in VTCs free of tuition; through the fortified uji program in our ECDE centers; through value addition to value chains in agriculture; and through dignified markets for our traders. We are building a county where everyone feels at home,” she said.
The event was also graced by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, NCIC team led by Commissioner Joseph Nguyo, NSC-PBCM Secretary Josephine Onunga, Midrift HURINET Executive Director Joseph Omondi, Chief of Staff Peter Ketyenya and CECMs Ambrose Ogeto, Elga Riaga and Zipporah Wambui.