On Friday, July 22, 2022, Mkenya Daima Initiative, led by Ms Martha Cheruto – KEPSA Deputy CEO – Foundation, participated in the Co-operative Day of Peace at The Co-operative University of Kenya in Nairobi. The event, which was organized by the university’s student council, aimed at sensitizing the university students and members of the public on the importance of maintaining peace during and after elections.

Speaking during the event, Prof. Esther Gicheru – Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance Planning and Administration at The Co-operative University of Kenya noted that elections should no longer be associated with violence while stating that the institution has been advocating for peace. “Each one of us is responsible for ensuring that there is peace because we all interact with both the politicians and the voter.” She added. Her sentiments were amplified by Dr Lucinda Mugaa – Dean of Students, who pointed out that the institution prides itself on the fact that it conducts peaceful student council elections and therefore this should be emulated by all Kenyans.

In her keynote address, Ms Martha Cheruto encouraged the students to maintain peace and be good peace ambassadors in society. Ms Cheruto also urged the youth to interrogate the manifestos presented to them by the politicians to ensure they vote for accountable leaders right from the Members of the County Assembly to the Presidential candidate. She mentioned that one of the objectives of Mkenya Daima is ensuring that there’s a smooth transition after the election. “Who among you doesn’t what to continue enjoying their freedoms and the privileges they enjoy now after the election?” She posed. “We are all one regardless of our diversities.” She added.

The university student, through their leaders Mr Collins Otundo – President of The Co-operative University of Kenya Students Union (CUKSU) together with the Vice-President Ms Zamzam Bonaya, committed to maintain peace while calling on their fellow students to be responsible and preach peace and unity. The student leaders also urged their fellow youth to reject leaders who give them handouts to insult, attack or cause violence.

Speakers during the event included Mr George Biruri from the Catholic Justice and Peace Department at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops who presented on justice, peace and elections in Kenya. Mr Salim Charo from the National Muslim Leaders Forum urged the students to be responsible citizens who will maintain peace and shun tribalism. He warned the youth against being used by politicians to cause chaos before leading participants in a peace prayer session.

The event, which was also attended by other student leaders from various universities, culminated in a peace walk by the participants. The peace procession aimed at sensitising members of the public to demonstrate peace during and after elections.