NCIC decries 'worrying' wave of violence ahead of polls in Kenya

By YVONNE KAWIRA, Posted September 4, 2012

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has regretted the recent spate of violence in the country saying it is "worrying" as the General Election draws closer.

"The recent ethnic violence in Mandera County (between the Garre and Degodia), Wajir/ Garissa (between Ogaden clans), Tana River/Lamu County between the Orma and Pokomo communities respectively and the violent protest in Mombasa following the death of Sheikh Aboud Rogo is a clear indication," NCIC Chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia said in a statement Monday.

He regretted that over 70 innocent Kenyans have died, hundreds of houses torched and thousands of families displaced despite the county forums on peaceful election held last week.

"It is even more worrying that the violence is happening just six months to the General Election, he said.

Dr Ahmed Yassin of the NCIC together with the faith based organisations has been holding numerous meetings and dialogues with the youth, Muslim communities and Christians to restore calm in Mombasa.

“For the first time, Muslim leaders joined their Christian brothers to worship together in churches which were burnt as a show of solidarity,” Mr Kibunjia said.

The Commission appealed to the communities affected and religious leaders to prevent any future conflict.

The NCIC has set up peace dialogues with various groups in Mombasa, between pastoralist communities and brokered peace between the Orma and Wardei communities.

The commission in collaboration with the National Steering Committee on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution and Tegla Lorupe Peace Foundation mobilised over 60 professionals from Tana River to travel to the affected areas to preach peace last weekend.

“The NCIC has a team in Tana River County and other areas affected by the violence to facilitate inter-communal peace dialogue in collaboration with community and political leaders of the affected communities," said Mr Kibunjia.

According to the commission, the killings in Mandera County are happening despite a series of peace initiatives aimed at forestalling clashes between the Degodia and Garre clans as campaigns ahead of the 2013 General Election gain momentum.

The NCIC is also working with communities in Wajir and Garissa County to ensure they give dialogue a chance and cease the hostilities and has spearheaded inter-community peace dialogue in partnership with other stakeholders.

Source: Nation

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