Peace Ambassadors from across Kisumu County including the organizers, LCPI, together with NCIC, UWIANO, NSC, MercyCorps, DPCs, ONUG, Area Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs, The Police, The Kisumu West Sub-county Youth and Women began the Caravan at Ojola Hall all the way through Kisian, Obambo, Holo, Chulaimbo, Maseno, Kiboswa, Mamboleo, Kondele and finally ended at Rail side Grounds. At Ojola Hall, the Kisumu West DCC, Mr. Ngaira, hosted the event together with several ACCs. The Kisumu West DPC chairman, Mr. Vitalis Ajumbo, welcomed everyone and praised the collaborative efforts of the DPC, the security team and the local community in ensuring sustainable peace in the area.
The LCPI CEO, Roselyne Onunga highlighted The Jamii Thabiti Project’s work in the county on Peacebuilding, community policing and Violence against women and girls (VAWG) and praised the partnership of all stakeholders involved in peace work in the county. She pointed out the cooperation from the chiefs and assistant chiefs as key in ensuring peace before, during and after the election. The Nyanza Cluster peace and cohesion coordinator, Mr. Castro barazas praised the relationship between the peace monitors, youth and the security structures especially under conflict early warning efforts. Speaking on behalf of the UWIANO principals, the LCPI Director, Millicent Otieno praised the efforts made by KEPSA, MCK, The Council of Governors and NCIC in ensuring sustainable peace for development and growth of the nation. She also recognized the ORPP and KNHCR monitors whose efforts in ensuring peace in the region could not be overstated.
The NCIC CEO, Mr. Hassan Mohamed graced and flagged off the caravan as the guest of honor. In his message, he urged the youths not to be engaged in electoral violence and warned them against the misuse of the social media. He also reiterated NCIC’s objective in facilitating and promoting peace initiatives within the region. At each stop, the Peace Caravan held events promoting peace through music, theatre and dance performances by the Amazon dancers, as well as through speeches by representatives of local communities, the Bodaboda and the DPC.
