Peter Mutai And Isaiah Lucheli
24 February 2008
Nairobi — A group of civil societies in the North Rift has urged ODM to call off the mass action slated for next week.
They urged the party to give the Kofi Annan-led talks a chance. ODM has called for mass action on Friday if no deal is reached.
At the same time, the civic bodies launched a peace initiative, as relative calm returned to the Sotik/Borabu border and Trans Mara District.
Rift Valley Provincial Police Officer, Mr Joseph Ashimalla, said police had restored peace and order in the areas.
The peace initiative brings together elders from various communities. Speaking in Nakuru on Saturday, Ashimalla commended the initiative and warned politicians against inciting the locals.
The elders are expected help restore peace and avert future clashes and other forms of violence.
"Elders are respected in their communities. They are the key to peace," said Mr James Kimisoi, a representative of the Catholic Peace and Justice Commission.
About 40 other civic organisations are involved initiative.
The society, that has organised a series of peace meetings in the North Rift, has also called for improved conditions for displaced people living in camps.
The PPO warned local politicians against making inflammatory statements. He said such persons would be prosecuted.
At the same time, Cherangany MP, Mr Joshua Kutuny, has called for deployment of more security personnel to contain cattle raids in the constituency.
Kutuny said the current number of security personnel was inadequate.
"We have lost many people and cattle to raiders from Kabolet forest, yet nothing has been done," he said.
He met the affected people at Kesogon Secondary School.
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