Scholars and beneficiaries of the Canada Mathare Education Trust (CMETrust) enlightened the community in Mathare Constituency on the need for peaceful coexistence ahead of the August 9th general election.
Traversing the wider Mathare informal settlements on Friday, the visionary scholars called for calm and tranquillity in Mathare and Kenya at large in a well organized walk as the country edges closer to the August polls.
Being a slum that accommodates different tribes, Mathare as a community is counted among the most volatile areas in the country in such a time when political temperatures are steadily rising nationwide.
Commenting on the ‘Call For Peace Walk’ campaign, Cofounder and Executive Director of Canada Mathare Education Trust Titus Kuria said;
“As CMETrust, we normally organize for a walk every year but this time around we decided to organize for a walk about having peaceful election,” the soft spoken Cofounder said.
“Our scholars normally give back to the community and this time round, they decided to go for a walk that is geared towards calling for peace in the community with the awareness that, peace is important before, during and after the general election,” Kuria narrated.
“And also, harmonious living, people respecting each other and reminding people that even after elections, Mathare will still be here. The walk was led by high school scholars as part of our July school break program that we usually do during every school break.
“They mobilised themselves and availed placards, banners and came up with the route in conjunction with the community who received the walk positively. We admire what our scholars are doing.”
In his message to the electorates, Kuria said;
“I would like to remind Kenyans and especially the people of Mathare that peace starts with them. Mathare, Nairobi and Kenya at large will remain after the election no matter who is elected in the ward, constituency, county or national positions. This will pass but your neighbour will be there to support you despite your tribe and political affiliation. It is very important to respect and acknowledge that fact.
“When the young people are talking about this, it is a reminder that they are the most affected, schools will close and their future interfered with. For them calling for a peaceful election is very important and a significance of what CMETrust is trying to do in their lives.” He noted.
On his side, Jeremy Okudo, a scholar and beneficiary of CMETrust had a similar view of what Titus Kuria had.
Emily Wango Wangari, Beneficiary of CMETrust said; We organized for this walk to preach for peace because we are approaching elections. We urged the community to remember that there is life after the elections and we should remain at peace. “
Her fellow beneficiary Jacintah Akoth on her part said; “We felt like if the elections go wrong and violence erupts, our education will be affected, so our goal was to preach for peace and make the community understand the need for peace.”
CMETrust provides scholarships to the needy but bright students from the Mathare Valley slum in Nairobi City County.
