Mkenya Daima (Kiswahili for Kenyan forever) which is a is a multi-stakeholder platform to inspire Kenyans towards peaceful elections and prosperity held a day long engagement with the Kenyan Civil Society on 10th May 2022 to enlist their support to ensure that this year’s elections scheduled for 9th August 2022 are held peacefully.
The event brought together hundreds of delegates from civil society actors including the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Kenya whose CEO Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi sits on the Steering Committee of the peacebuilding initiative initiated by the Kenyan Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).
Speakers at the forum included Dr. Vimal Shah who is the Mkenya Daima Chairman flanked by members of the Steering Committee including Mr. Ken Njiru of Ungwana Institute, the Chairman of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Mr. Mutail Kunyiha, Mr. Daniel Juma from Global Peace Foundation, the Deputy CEO of KEPSA Ms. Martha Cheruto, the National Coordinator of the National Civil Society Congress Mr. Suba Churchill amongst others.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Suba Churchill who convened the civil society actors said that Kenya is one of the countries that give freedom of speech to its citizens through public participation. “Our progress may be slow but that for me are the signs of a democratic progression and realization of a more open and accountable governance.”
On his part, Dr. Vimal Shah urged every Kenyan to do their part. “Let us arouse the leader inside every Kenyan, whether it is the father or son, young or old to say nitatenda wajibu wangu (I will do my responsibility).” He added that it is the responsibility of every Kenyan who is a registered voter to vote as every vote counts.
With regards to the credibility of the elections management body, Mr. Mucai Kunyiha of KAM said that the matter will be raised with IEBC during a meeting with Independent working on the elections preparedness. adding that Mkenya Daima would consider long-term and short-term goals that run in between election periods. “There is no one election where we will fix all our problems,” he posed.
“The reason why we have gaps is because people choose to support leaders who are not of integrity. Let’s continue with the conversation and engage actively through Mkenya Daima initiative.” said Ken Njiru – CEO, Uungwana Institute
GPF’s Daniel Juma, on the other hand responded on the vulnerability of the youths. ““It is usually the young people being taken advantage of to cause chaos during elections. We have no choice but to engage in a civilized manner. There’s no justification whatsoever for election violence in Kenya.” he stated.
At the end of the event, every stakeholder agreed that conducting a peaceful election in August and giving leadership of the country to people with integrity, will spearhead the country towards the right direction.
