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Residents of Kitui have been urged to embrace peace, harmony and peaceful coexistence amid growing concerns over increasing cases of killings and femicide in the county.
Speaking during a peace walk held in Kitui town, Josephat Kelly, who works with Savana for Human Rights, called on residents to value human life and avoid resorting to violence in resolving disputes.
Kelly said people can live together peacefully without killing one another, urging residents to promote a culture of peace, tolerance and harmony within their communities.
“People can live together without killing one another. We should learn to live in peace and harmony,” Kelly said.
He further attributed some of the challenges contributing to violence to mental health concerns, urging members of the public to take mental health seriously and seek help whenever necessary.
Kelly also called on residents to report cases of violence and other suspicious incidents to the police, stressing the importance of early intervention in preventing loss of lives.
He urged the public to stop viewing police officers as enemies, instead calling for closer cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies to enhance security and ensure that people live peacefully.
“Residents should work closely with the police. Police officers should not be viewed as enemies because they have a role to play in protecting lives and maintaining peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, Charles Muinde of Sauti ya Mwananchi Kitui said anyone suspected of involvement in killings should be arrested and allowed to face the full force of the law.
Muinde stressed that justice must be allowed to take its course, saying those found culpable should be held accountable through the established legal process.
On her part, Irene Musau said stakeholders were intensifying awareness campaigns on gender-based violence (GBV) as part of efforts to protect women and girls and address the rising cases of violence in society.
The peace walk brought together human rights advocates and members of the public in a call for an end to killings, femicide and gender-based violence.
The organisers urged residents to speak out against violence, report cases to the relevant authorities and work collectively to build a safer and more peaceful Kitui.
ENDS///…
