Sauti ya Amani Movement’s convener Pauline Mugo told the press that all candidates participating in the election must endeavour to campaign peacefully and avoid any actions that could lead to violence/JEREMIAH WAKAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 29 – A lobby group mobilising for peaceful campaigns ahead of the August 8 General Election has thrown its weight behind Thirdway Alliance presidential candidate, Ekuru Aukot.
While making the announcement Thursday afternoon, Sauti ya Amani Movement’s convener Pauline Mugo told the press that all candidates participating in the election must endeavour to campaign peacefully and avoid any actions that could lead to violence.
“We’ve noted with concern the increasing disquiet across the country as we approach the elections. This is why we want to offer an alternative message; a message of peace and mutual acceptance before, during and after the elections,” Mugo stated.
“We refuse any form of division or politics of tribe in our country, now and in the future. This is why we will support Dr Aukot because he has been a champion of peace and justice in our country, and as a member of a minority community himself, appreciates the need for cordial co-existence of all communities,” she declared accompanied by aspirants for various elective seats.
Mugo regretted the unfortunate hate remarks being made by a section of politicians, saying the electorate must resist attempts to be incited against one another.
Similar sentiments were shared by Shalom Naya, the youth convener of the Sauti ya Amani Movement who called challenged the youths to avoid violence.
“Peaceful elections are critical in ensuring that our nation achieves prosperity today and in the future. Let us not therefore accept to be used to destroy our nation,” she said.
Aukot is due to make public his manifesto on Saturday; becoming the third presidential candidate to do so after President Uhuru Kenyatta who is seeking re-election on a Jubilee Party ticket and Raila Odinga contending on ODM.
According to the Mugo, the lobby will embark on a nationwide campaign after the launch of the manifesto to drum up support for Aukot.
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