Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has appealed to voters and contestants in Ol Kalou Constituency to uphold peace and civility ahead of thee by-election scheduled for Thursday this week.

Ms Miano made the call in the wake of bloody violence that rocked the campaigns at the weekend during which a driver of Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s was hit and injured by a rubber. Vehicles belonging to leaders of Linda Mwananchi – a grassroots voter mobilisation movement – were pelted and destroyed with stones.

Subsequently, Miano urged political leaders, supporters and voters to remain calm and conduct themselves responsibly, saying the final phase of the campaign should be defined by issue-based politics rather than confrontation and rhetoric.

“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 presents an opportunity for residents to demonstrate political maturity by maintaining harmony before, during and after the vote. She noted that a peaceful election is essential in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that development programmes continue uninterrupted regardless of poll outcome.

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.

According to the cabinet secretary, stability 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.

The cabinet secretary also commended residents for maintaining order throughout the campaign period despite heightened political tension. She said the peaceful environment witnessed so far reflects the community’s commitment to democracy and coexistence.

Miano 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 drew to a close on Monday, 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.

• A Tell Media report /  By Murimi Mwangi