On 28^th June 2022, the Special Olympics Kenya in partnership with the National Police Service, the Mkenya Daima Initiative and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) among other partners launched the Amani Torch Run at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi with the aim of reaching two million Kenyan youth with the message of peace and inclusivity ahead of the general election on 9^th August 2022.

Present during the launch were Ms. Martha Cheruto – KEPSA Deputy CEO – Foundation; Dr. Vimal Shah – Chair, Mkenya Daima Initiative; Mr. Thuo Cege – Chairman, Special Olympics Kenya; Mr. Edward Mbugua – Deputy Inspector General; Dr. Stephen Jackson – United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya; NCIC Commissioners, led by Chairman Rev. Dr. Simon Kobia; Mr. Charles Nyambe – President & Managing Director, Special Olympics Africa Region among other stakeholders.

The Amani Torch Run will tour the 47 counties, until July 5, 2022, when the torch will return to Nairobi for the lighting of the National Peace & Inclusion flame which will culminate in the signing of the Mkenya Daima Peace and Leadership Pledge and the NCIC Peace and Accountability Charter by political leaders and Kenyans alike.

The Torch Run which is divided into seven routes including Rift Valley, North Eastern, Western, Nyanza, Coast, Eastern and Central regions – will contribute to the Mkenya Daima message of ‘Nitatenda Wajibu Wangu’ (taking responsibility) towards electoral participation, the NCIC Election Bila Noma Campaign as well as the Special Olympics vision of creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Vimal Shah welcomed the initiative and encouraged more public and private collaboration in advancing the message of peace and positive electoral participation by the youth and all citizens throughout the country. “Our goal is to inspire Kenyans to elect good, accountable leaders and for us to have a prosperous Kenya afterwards. If everybody does their part as a responsible citizen, we shall definitely achieve peace and we urge all Kenyans young and old to embrace the Mkenya Daima message of taking responsibility for Kenya,” He said.

“Nothing brings people together like sports, as we launch the Amani Torch Run today in Nairobi, our vision is to reach and share the message of inclusivity and peace to all Kenyans with and without intellectual disabilities, said Mr. Thuo Cege – Chairman, Special Olympics Kenya. Mr. Cege added that persons with intellectual disabilities were considerably more vulnerable to overarching threats arising from electoral violence, with their plight often unaccounted for.

The Deputy Inspector General Mr. Edward Mbugua reiterated the Kenya Police Service’s commitment to assisting the public and enforcing the law while maintaining peace in the country, before, during and after the general elections. “Insecurity is brought about by our very own friends, relatives and colleagues in the community and we know them. It is therefore everyone’s responsibility to respect the law and maintain peace wherever we are. Security starts with you,” He remarked.

Dr. Stephen Jackson – United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya, lauded the police for partnering with the Special Olympics Kenya, the NCIC and Mkenya Daima while stating that Kenyans were counting on the police to also be accountable for ensuring peace during the electioneering period. “Kenyans are renowned worldwide for long-distance running and for being a bastion of peace in the region. Time and again Kenyans have also proven that you can go to the polls and change governments peacefully. It is therefore brilliant that today you have put these two important things together to run for peace and speak to young people on this important topic,” He said.

Rev. Dr. Simon Kobia – Chairman, NCIC sought to remind Kenyans that while not all Kenyans might instigate electoral violence or hate speech, the effects impact everyone in the community. “We have witnessed untold suffering such as loss of life, limb and property. The scars left behind make people lose peace of mind and become worse off in society. It is therefore prudent that we are here to light up the torch of peace and put off the flames of hatred and violence. Today we want to remind all Kenyans, from all walks of life that we are one people,” Said Dr. Kobia.

President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Africa Region, Mr. Charles Nyambe, while making his remarks said for peace to work, everyone must believe and practice it. “This is the example we want to showcase to all Kenyans with the launch of the Amani Torch Run. Just like our athletes practice it, Kenyans should view each other with tolerance, acceptance, respect and dignity which are all hallmarks of peace in the community,” He said.