Senator Sigei Warns Against Return to 2007 Political Climate, Urges Kenyans to Embrace Peace
The Senator was responding to reports that about 15 people had been arrested in Homa Bay County over alleged involvement in political violence.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Anneth Chepngetich
Bomet County Senator Hillary Sigei has issued a stern warning to Kenyans against sliding back into the toxic political climate witnessed during the 2007/2008 post-election violence, urging political leaders and their supporters to uphold peace and national cohesion.
Speaking during Citizen TV’s DayBreak show, Senator Sigei said the country cannot afford to repeat the violence, bloodshed and political tensions that characterized the disputed 2007 general election and its aftermath.
“We cannot afford to go back to the political climate of 2007,” Sigei stated, emphasizing that the scars of the 2007/08 post-election violence are still fresh in the minds of many Kenyans.
The Senator was responding to reports that about 15 people had been arrested in Homa Bay County over alleged involvement in political violence. He said the arrests should serve as a strong lesson to individuals and political actors who are involved in inciting violence for political gain.
Sigei urged Kenyans, especially the youth, to take personal responsibility for their actions and avoid being used by politicians to cause violence, chaos or unrest in the name of political loyalty.
He also cautioned individuals who sponsor, finance or incite violence, warning that political differences should never be allowed to threaten the peace, stability and unity of the country.
According to the Bomet Senator, Kenya has made significant strides in democratic growth and peacebuilding since 2007, and any attempt to drag the country back to those dark days would be a betrayal of the victims of post-election violence and the progress made so far.
“Political competition should be about ideas and service delivery, not about violence, hatred or division. We must learn from history and choose peace over conflict,” he said.
Sigei called on Kenyans to remain peaceful, exercise restraint and reject any political activities that could trigger violence, especially as the country gears up for heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
His remarks come at a time when political temperatures are rising across the country, with leaders from different political formations engaging in early campaigns, and cases of political intolerance being reported in some counties.
The Senator appealed to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), security agencies and political party leaders to take a more active role in promoting peaceful coexistence and ensuring that those who incite violence are held accountable.
He further urged media houses and social media users to be responsible in their reporting and sharing of information, noting that inflammatory statements and fake news have the potential to ignite violence if not checked.
Leaders and peace stakeholders have continued to urge Kenyans to maintain peace and avoid actions that could plunge the country into unrest, with Sigei’s warning adding to growing calls for political tolerance and unity.
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