NGOs call on Kenya to keep peace after vote

Humanitarian and development agencies want Kenya to maintain peace regardless of the referendum outcome.

In a statement after a meeting in Nairobi to review measures put in place to ensure a successful referendum process on August 4, the non governmental organisations called for priority to be given in ensuring peace and tranquillity.

The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Kenya Aeneas Chuma, commended the work already undertaken to develop preparedness and strengthen coordination among partners on the ground.

“Working in partnership with the Government of Kenya, United Nations agencies, civil society and other national and international organisations, including the Kenya Red Cross, we have developed a harmonised action plan aimed at maximising existing capacities and minimising gaps in response for the pre- and post-referendum scenario,” he said.

Kenya Red Cross secretary general Abbas Gullet and the Head of Office for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Kenya, Ms Jeanine Cooper, used the occasion to present the coordination mechanisms and operational roles, functions and responsibilities detailed in the inter-agency preparedness plan.

Lead agency

The Kenya Red Cross is the designated lead agency. Together with the government, it will co-lead operational coordination in the field.

With OCHA’s support, the Humanitarian Coordinator will coordinate international humanitarian support and be the main liaison to the national response.

In response to concerns over possible violence triggered by hate speech, humanitarian partners assured the meeting that adequate structures have been put in place to ensure the atmosphere remains calm and peaceful leading up to and immediately after the referendum, while at the same time maintaining operational neutrality.  

The Uwiano Platform for Peace — a joint initiative of the government and civil society —  supported the establishment of peace committees in districts identified as potential hot spots ahead of the referendum.

Mr Dickson Magotsi from the National Steering Committee of Peace Building and Conflict Management talked of the conflict-prevention strategy, which includes deployment of “peace brigades” as focal points to monitor and share information as the situation unfolds on the ground.

“As the referendum campaigns come to an end on August 2, peace rallies and a night vigil will be held to continue to spread the message of peace using the slogan ‘Choose Kenya, Choose Peace’,” said Mr Magotsi.

Peaceful campaigns were encouraged to continue to avert polarisation of the country. The humanitarian and development partners have pledged their support for the government’s leadership in the referendum period to ensure a stable, peaceful and cohesive country.