A group of elders and youth in Trans Nzoia County has called on political leaders and their supporters to reject violence and allow voters to freely choose their preferred candidates ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The group is mobilising residents from different communities across the county to promote peaceful political campaigns and prevent violence during the electioneering period.
Herman Malavi urged politicians to embrace issue-based campaigns, peaceful mobilisation and democratic competition while warning against using youths as instruments of political violence.
“We want peace. We want to show them that this is our land and that we don’t want to fight,” Malavi said.
He said residents should be allowed to make independent political choices without intimidation, threats or violence.
Malavi called on political leaders to compete based on their policies, development records and plans for residents rather than mobilising supporters along ethnic or political lines.
Jackson Barasa Wasike, another speaker, said the initiative would develop a roadmap for peaceful campaigns in Trans Nzoia and neighbouring areas.
“We want to have peace during the campaign. We want to have peace before and beyond Uthe elections,” Barasa said.
He urged the youth to support their preferred politicians peacefully and avoid attacking supporters of rival candidates.
Barasa said political competition was legitimate in a democracy but warned that it should not be allowed to divide communities or trigger violence.
The group also revealed plans to assess candidates seeking elective positions at various levels, including Member of County Assembly (MCA), Member of Parliament (MP), senator, woman representative and governor.
“We want to analyse aspirants from the position of MCA, MP, senator, women’s representative and governor based on their manifesto and not those endorsed,” Barasa said.
He said voters should scrutinise candidates and make informed decisions based on their ability to represent and serve the interests of Trans Nzoia residents.
Another speaker, Livingstone, said the peace initiative would encourage voters to prioritise leaders who put the interests of the country and their constituents ahead of political endorsements.
The initiative comes as political activity gradually intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, with leaders and potential candidates expected to begin mobilising support across Trans Nzoia and other parts of Western Kenya.
