The Amani Torch Run will tour the 47 counties, until July 5, 2022, when the torch will return to Nairobi for the lighting of the National Peace & Inclusion flame which will culminate into the signing of the NCIC Peace & Accountability Charter and the Mkenya Daima Peace and Leadership Pledge, by political leaders and Kenyans alike.
The Amani Torch Run that is divided into seven routes – Rift Valley, North Eastern, Western, Nyanza, Coast, Eastern and Central regions – will contribute to the Mkenya Daima message of ‘Nitatenda Wajibu Wangu’ (taking responsibility) towards electoral participation, the NCIC Election Bila Noma Campaign as well as the Special Olympics vision of creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.
Thuo added that persons with intellectual disabilities were considerably more vulnerable to overarching threats arising from electoral violence, with their plight often unaccounted for.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Vimal Shah, Chair, Mkenya Daima Initiative welcomed the initiative and encouraged more public and private collaboration in advancing the message of peace and positive electoral participation by the youth and all citizens throughout the country.
Our goal is to inspire Kenyans to elect good, accountable leaders and for us to have a prosperous Kenya afterwards.
If everybody does their part as a responsible citizen, we shall definitely achieve peace and we urge all Kenyans young and old to embrace the Mkenya Daima message of taking responsibility for Kenya”, he said.
By Fred Odanga Azelwa.