The government is targeting the youth and boda boda operators in its strategy against election violence in potential hotspots ahead of the General Election.
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i says the plan will see members of associations drawn from the two categories actively engaged in peace missions and civic education to be rolled out in partnership with religious organisations and other stakeholders.
He said the campaigns will target potential hotspots that have been mapped out and other regions that are likely to be flagged out to deliver a violence-free poll.
“We have to ensure we have peaceful elections and transition. We are committed to see to it that not a single bullet is shot, no citizen is hurt, and every Kenyan has the opportunity to take part in shaping governance and democracy in our country,” he said.
He added more registration clerks have been engaged to speed up the issuance of IDs to enable more youth to participate in the election.
Development partners have also been urged to involve the youth in peace education.
He also said that the government will partner with church groups and Community Based Organisations to monitor peace and neutralize potential violence in security hot spots.
Matiang’i called for responsible use of social media amid growing concerns over hate and vitriol spewed online.
Although the government was not keen on gagging free speech, Matiang’i said it will crackdown on those who abused the right.
On the security situation in the country, Matiang’i said the recent arrest of terror suspects in Mombasa and the ongoing operation against cattle-rustling are testimony to the heightened alertness among security agencies.
Matiang’i was addressing the 64th General Assembly of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) in Limuru.
He was accompanied with CASs Mercy Mwangangi (Health), David Osiany (Trade) and Zack Kinuthia (Sports).
