Vice Chairman of the Luo Council of elders in Eldoret Maricus Orinda (L) with Elders from various communities in Eldoret have endorsed President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
The elders said the President has delivered on most of his promises and deserves another term to complete projects initiated across the country.
The elders also called for an end to political goonism, warning that the use of gangs during political activities poses a threat to national security as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election.
The elders, drawn from the Kalenjin, Luhya, Kisii, Kikuyu and Luo communities, among others, urged politicians to preach peace and unity during campaign meetings.
Speaking at Huruma Primary School in Eldoret, the elders were led by Mzee Paul Arab Chesingil, David Nyambane, Vice chairman of the Luo Council of Elders Maricus Orinda, and Women Representative Dorcas Chebet, among others.
The elders were attending a meeting where they endorsed Fred Ochieng to contest the Huruma MCA seat on an ODM ticket in the 2027 elections.
“We are here as elders first to ask our people from all communities to ensure they keep peace and unity at all times, especially as we head to the elections next year. As a nation, we cannot achieve anything without peace, and that should always be the main priority for all of us,” Orinda said.
He said the elders were opposed to the use of goons by politicians during campaign meetings and called on security agencies to deal firmly with those seeking to cause anarchy for selfish interests.
“Those vying for seats should campaign peacefully and persuade voters instead of seeking to use goons. We are a democratic country and people should be free to choose the leaders they wish to have,” Orinda said.
He said the elders had endorsed Ochieng because they believed in his leadership qualities, but urged him to compete fairly while maintaining peace and unity among residents.
Huruma Ward has more than 35,000 registered voters, making it one of the wards with the largest voter populations in the Rift Valley region.
The largely cosmopolitan ward covers a significant part of Eldoret and has traditionally attracted heated campaigns.
Ochieng pledged to make peace and unity central to his campaign and urged fellow aspirants to do the same.
“I know I have a good plan for Huruma ward, and I urge all those who will be vying to focus on how we can use leadership to improve the livelihoods of the people of Huruma and other Kenyans,” he said.
Orinda also praised Ruto, saying the President had done well in bringing together communities and ensuring government projects were initiated across the country.
“Ruto’s work can be seen in all parts of the country and, as elders, we believe he needs a second term to complete the good work he has initiated in all sectors and in all counties across the country,” he said.
Nyambane and Chesingil urged Kenyans to scrutinise the records and plans of politicians before voting for them.
“At least for Ruto, we can see the work he has done and we can use that record to ask Kenyans to give him a second term so that he can complete the ongoing projects,” Chesingil said.
