Governor Wavinya Ndeti with her deputy, Francis Mwangangi, during two priests' burials at Catholic Seminary in Machakos County on September 24, 2026./GEORGE OWITIMachakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has called on Kenyans to uphold peace and unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ndeti urged political leaders and citizens to avoid actions and utterances that could trigger conflict.
"This has been an international peace week. I urge all Kenyans, politicians, and everyone to maintain peace," Ndeti said.
She spoke during the Requiem Mass for Rev. Fr Martin Kilonzo and Rev. Fr Paul Kinyumu at Katoloni Seminary in Machakos County on Wednesday.
Ndeti called for political tolerance, saying every Kenyan should be allowed to hold political meetings peacefully.
"I keep telling people, I was there in 2007/08 during the post election violence. I would never want to see Kenya going back to what I saw that time," Ndeti said.
She said the country must reject political goonism.
The Machakos County CEO said those who are opposed to a politician's manifesto should keep off his political meetings and rallies instead of going to disrupt them.
"Everyone should be allowed to hold his political rally or meetings. If you don't want certain politicians, don't attend their rallies. Stay at home and wait for the candidates of your choice. Let's stop arguing and fighting. The world doesn't belong to anyone, it belongs to God," Ndeti said.
"So, let's maintain peace. It's important to our country," she said.
She also called on the church to help preach peace in the country.
"I am urging Kenyan churches to speak in one voice. Tell Kenyans that it's important to embrace peace. Peace starts at home, to workplace and the world. Let's embrace peace from home to the world and God will bless our country. Kenya belongs to all of us. If you leave Kenya to anywhere, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, you still remain Kenyan. Let's make Kenya a little heaven on earth for us. Live well with each other, love one another."
Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who also attended the Mass, cautioned politicians and the public against irresponsible statements, warning that they could incite violence and undermine peace.
Presiding over the Mass, Machakos Diocese Bishop Norman King'oo Wambua urged Kenyans to shun reckless talk and violence during the electioneering period.
He asked voters to listen to divergent political views and respect one another regardless of affiliation.
The leaders spoke as the country marks International Peace Week, with political activity intensifying ahead of the 2027 polls amid calls for tolerance, dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
