Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, Garissa gubernatorial aspirant, Mr Mohamed Shidiye and Garissa County Governor Nathif Jamaa, at the function. PHOTO/UGC.
By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN
With less than two years remaining until the 2027 general election, Kenya’s former ambassador to Botswana and Garissa gubernatorial aspirant, Mr Mohamed Shidiye, has issued a strong call for peaceful campaigning, urging the residents of Garissa County to refrain from violence and embrace dialogue in the lead-up to the polls.
Speaking at the official opening and fundraising event for the Tayseer Islamic Centre in Kamahumato, Abakaile Ward, Daadab Constituency, Mr Shidiye urged all political aspirants and their supporters to uphold the principles of peace, unity, and mutual respect.
The event, which attracted a large crowd, was attended by several key figures including the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, Garissa County Governor Nathif Jamaa, elected officials, aspirants, as well as youth and women leaders from across the county.
Mr Shidiye stressed the importance of peaceful campaigning, particularly in a country that has suffered from the divisive and violent nature of politics in recent years. He emphasised that the upcoming election should be a chance for all Kenyans to demonstrate their commitment to democratic ideals, while promoting an environment of unity and harmony.
“As we approach the 2027 elections, it is essential that we, as leaders and citizens, prioritise peaceful campaigns and focus on the issues that matter most to the people of Garissa and Kenya at large,” Shidiye said.
Garissa gubernatorial aspirant, Mr Mohamed Shidiye, speaking during the official opening of Tayseer Islamic Centre, in Garissa County. PHOTO/UGC.
His call for peace comes at a time when tensions are rising across the country, and political temperatures are expected to intensify as the elections draw closer.
In the past, Kenya has witnessed a disturbing pattern of violence and intimidation during election seasons, and Shidiye’s plea serves as a timely reminder of the need to break the cycle of violence that has marred the country’s democratic processes.
Election-related violence has become a recurring nightmare in Kenya, with each cycle of elections tainted by bloodshed and destruction. From the 1992 and 1997 post-election violence to the tragic 2007-2008 crisis that left over 1,000 people dead and thousands more displaced, the country has endured the devastating effects of political conflict.
While Kenya has made significant strides in promoting peace and democracy, particularly after the implementation of the 2010 Constitution and the formation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the shadow of violence continues to loom large, especially during high-stakes elections.
One of the key drivers of election violence in Kenya is the practice of political parties and their supporters using goons or hired thugs to disrupt their opponents’ meetings and rallies. This form of political violence not only threatens the safety of candidates, supporters, and voters but also undermines the very essence of democracy; free and fair elections.
Garissa County has not been immune to these tensions. In the 2017 election, the region experienced pockets of violence, with clashes between rival political factions. The violence in Garissa was further exacerbated by the volatile political environment in the broader northeastern region, where clans and ethnic groups have historically aligned with different political leaders.
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, when he officially opened Tayseer Islamic Centre in Garissa County. PHOTO/UGC.
While Garissa has largely remained peaceful compared to other parts of the country, political figures have often been accused of inciting violence to assert dominance during campaigns.
The culture of violence during election periods in Kenya can often be traced back to the tactics employed by some political leaders, who view their opponents not as rivals to engage with constructively but as enemies to be eliminated by any means necessary.
In some cases, politicians hire “goons” to intimidate and disrupt rallies or cause chaos during campaign events. These acts of violence often escalate tensions, leading to the displacement of families, loss of lives, and the destruction of public property.
For Kenya to enjoy a peaceful election in 2027, there needs to be a collective effort from all stakeholders, including political leaders, the electoral commission, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and ordinary citizens.
Leaders like Mr Shidiye have a crucial role to play in setting the tone for peaceful campaigns and promoting tolerance and respect for political opponents.
One of the first steps towards a peaceful election is the establishment of clear guidelines for electoral conduct. Political parties and candidates must publicly commit to non-violence and to ensuring that their supporters engage in peaceful campaigns.
Members of the public who attended the function. PHOTO/UGC.
Political leaders must denounce the use of goons and other violent tactics, while also working with law enforcement to ensure that any attempts to disrupt campaigns or instigate violence are swiftly dealt with.
Voters also have a responsibility to reject politicians who resort to violence or hire goons to achieve their political goals. As Kenya moves towards the 2027 election, it is essential for Kenyans to remember that democracy thrives on peaceful dialogue and cooperation, not on the threat of violence.
Mr Shidiye’s call for peaceful campaigns is a timely reminder that Kenya’s future depends on the collective actions of its people. As the 2027 election approaches, it is incumbent upon all Kenyans to reject violence and embrace democratic processes that allow for fair competition, free speech, and the peaceful resolution of differences.
As political tensions rise across the country, it is crucial that leaders; whether current office-holders or aspiring candidates, lead by example. The events of 2007-2008 are still fresh in the memories of many Kenyans, and the country cannot afford to repeat the tragic mistakes of the past.
It is only through peaceful campaigns that Kenya can build a prosperous, united, and democratic future for all its citizens.
By committing to peaceful elections, Kenya will not only demonstrate its growth as a democratic nation but also set an example for the entire African continent.
