Kaya, Kikuyu elders in talks as peace efforts gather pace

A grassroots peace programme involving elders from across Kenya’s communities has kicked off in a bid to enhance cohesion in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.

Kikuyu Kiama Kia Ma Elders and Mijikenda Kaya Elders met Friday to discuss peace efforts and community projects led by a local NGO, the Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco).

“When elders come together, peace is guaranteed. We are keen to unite all the elders from the more than 40 tribes of Kenya to ensure peace is sustained in every election cycle. Elders are custodian of peace in their communities,” said Shofco founder Kennedy Odede.

The meeting raised fresh concerns that tribalism had slowed down development and led to corruption because people do not share opportunities due to their ethnic differences. “We have always been together. It is now time to retrace our routes, unity and culture,” Dr Odede said.

Kaya Elders chairman Mwalimu Mwinyi called for more efforts to unite elders, saying some had thrived on creating divisions among communities during elections.

“We have seen good schools and health clinics in Nairobi. “We want our regions to compete in terms of life changing services and not by fighting each other,” Mr Mwinyi added after touring water, education, gender services and clinics funded by Shofco. 

 Nyeri County Kiama Kia Ma Patron Njaramba Wanjii stressed the need for unity, saying more organizations should invest in uplifting the lives of many people, especially children from vulnerable communities who can now access free and quality education.

“The greatest gift we can give to our children is education. It is the key to lifting up not only the individual but the entire community, unlocking doors to opportunities that benefit all,” Mr Njaramba told the elders.

He added: “We are one people. Our tribes must not divide us. We should take pride of our cultures and traditions and the need build one Kenya, free of ethnic conflicts,” he stated.

Dr Odede said that after engaging elders from Mount Kenya, Coast and the Lake side region, his organization will reach out the other regions in due course as they target elders from across 35 counties where Shofco runs community programme.