Cabinet Secretary urges calm, unity and issue-based politics as campaigns draw to a close ahead of Thursday’s vote
By John Kariuki
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has appealed to residents of Ol Kalou Constituency to uphold peace and civility, with just two days remaining before the parliamentary by-election.
Miano urged political leaders, supporters and voters to stay calm and conduct themselves responsibly, saying the final phase of the campaign should be defined by issue-based politics rather than confrontation.
“With only two days to go, Ol Kalou has calm heads and clear hearts. We will finish strong with a respectful campaign and a vote for stable progress. We are shining all the way,” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary said the by-election offers residents a chance to demonstrate political maturity by preserving harmony before, during and after the vote. Peaceful elections, she noted, are essential to safeguarding democracy and ensuring that development programmes continue uninterrupted regardless of political competition.
Miano encouraged residents to reject divisive politics and instead focus on electing leaders capable of working closely with the national government to accelerate development projects in the constituency. Stability, she said, remains a critical ingredient for economic growth, investment and improved service delivery, adding that the people of Ol Kalou stand to benefit from leaders who prioritise unity and development.
She expressed confidence that the constituency would set an example for the rest of the country by conducting a peaceful, transparent and credible election, and commended residents for maintaining order throughout the campaign period despite heightened political activity. The calm environment witnessed so far, she said, reflects the community’s commitment to democracy and coexistence.
The Cabinet Secretary further appealed to young people not to allow themselves to be used to incite violence or disrupt the electoral process, urging them instead to participate peacefully and exercise their democratic right responsibly. She also called on political leaders across the divide to tone down inflammatory rhetoric and respect their opponents, saying competitive politics should never come at the expense of peace and national cohesion.
As campaigns draw to a close, security agencies and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission are expected to finalise preparations for the by-election, with residents looking forward to electing their next Member of Parliament.
Miano maintained that peaceful participation at the ballot would send a strong message that Ol Kalou remains committed to unity, stability and sustained development.