HOMA-BAY COUNTY FORUM FOR PEACEFUL ELECTIONS COME 2013

On the 13^th and 14^th August 2012, more 190 representatives from the  6 constituencies (Kasipul 
Kabondo,Karachuonyo, Rangwe, Ndhiwa, Mbita and Gwasi) that make up the Homa-Bay County converge at the Homa-Bay County Council hall to deliberate on matters that must be put in place before, during and after the elections to ensure that we, as Kenya, have a peaceful election come  March 4^th 2013.

In the two days workshop, members were able to identify the issues that usually cause problems before elections (campaign period), during elections (on the D-day) and after the elections (when the poll closes, the result are announced and reception of the results). We learnt that there is a lot that transpires during this period that calls upon each stakeholder to take it as his responsibility to ensure that we promote peace to avoid a repetition of what happened in the year 2007 and 2008.

I guess you are already wondering of who the responsible stakeholders are! My friend, it begins with me and you. The new constitution dispensation has changed so many things in the government institutions; the power is no longer with the leaders but it’s with us the people, we the voters. Let us ‘employ’ leaders with a clear vision and passion for the development of its people, let’s not look at clans, tribes, parties and other dividing frames that could collapse our stability as a people.

At the end of the workshop, we as the stakeholders took the responsibility to:

• Promote smooth transition into the new constitution dispensation;
• Build trust and confidence in the public institution (courts, IEBC) at the county and national government levels;
• We need to promote public awareness especially on peaceful elections and coexistence;
• We need to create hope among citizens, especially the marginalized groups e.g. the youth, the aged, women and the rest.
• We need to help our people appreciate the benefits of peaceful, fair, all inclusive society and identify strategies to create and sustain such a society.

I wish we could give you the entire details of the proceedings, but since each an every county has its own uniqueness both in terms of challenges and structure. Our major statement and plea to all Kenyans is that ‘let us move from a focus on divided past to a shared future.

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