Calls for peaceful politics, national unity, inclusive leadership, and increased voter registration dominated a Somali women fundraising drive held at Maili Nne in Uasin Gishu County, where political aspirants, religious leaders, and members of the local community urged Kenyans to reject violence and embrace issue-based politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leaders warned that political intolerance, hate speech, and the growing use of hired goons during political activities threaten the country's hard-earned peace and democratic gains. They appealed to politicians across the political divide to exercise restraint, respect their opponents, and prioritize the interests of wananchi over personal political ambitions.

The event, which brought together hundreds of women, youth, elders, and community leaders, served not only as a fundraising initiative but also as a platform for discussions on peaceful coexistence, women's empowerment, and civic responsibility as the country gradually enters the electioneering period.

Speaking during the fundraiser, Kapsaos Ward aspirant and former Deputy Speaker Hosea Lamai urged leaders seeking elective office to shun divisive politics and instead focus on presenting practical solutions to the challenges facing citizens.

Lamai said leaders should avoid exploiting ethnic, religious, or political differences to gain support, noting that such tactics only fuel tension and undermine national cohesion.

"The politics of division has no place in our country. Leaders should compete through ideas, development agendas, and policies that improve the lives of the people. Kenyans deserve peaceful campaigns that unite communities instead of dividing them," he said.

He called on all political aspirants to conduct peaceful campaigns guided by respect, tolerance, and the rule of law, emphasizing that elections should never become a source of fear or conflict.

Lamai further challenged eligible residents to register as voters once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) opens the voter registration exercise, saying participation in elections begins with acquiring a voter registration card.

According to him, increased voter registration will ensure citizens fully participate in choosing leaders who can effectively address local and national development priorities.

"The strength of democracy lies in the participation of the people. Every eligible Kenyan should take advantage of the voter registration exercise and prepare to vote in 2027 because every vote counts," he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Kapsaos Ward aspirant Sarah Ahmed, who strongly condemned the increasing cases of political violence and the use of organized gangs during political gatherings.

Ahmed described political goonism as one of the biggest threats to peace and security, warning that violence discourages public participation, intimidates opponents, and weakens democratic institutions.

She urged the Ministry of Interior and National Administration together with security agencies to take decisive legal action against individuals sponsoring or engaging in politically motivated violence.

"There should be no room for political violence in Kenya. Those responsible for organizing or financing criminal gangs during political activities must be held accountable regardless of their political affiliation," Ahmed said.

She noted that the country has experienced painful lessons from politically instigated violence in previous elections and urged leaders to ensure history does not repeat itself.

Ahmed also challenged women to take up leadership positions and actively participate in elective politics, saying the Constitution guarantees equal opportunities for both men and women.

She observed that despite making significant contributions to national development, many women continue to face intimidation, discrimination, and financial barriers when seeking elective office.

"Women should not fear contesting leadership positions. Leadership is our constitutional right, and our voices are important in shaping policies that affect families, communities, and the nation. We must support more women to seek elective positions and contribute to decision-making," she said.

Ahmed further encouraged women to organize themselves politically, participate in civic education, and support one another in leadership, noting that increased female representation would strengthen governance and promote inclusive development.

The leaders also appealed to politicians from all political parties to maintain decorum throughout the campaign period by avoiding hate speech, inflammatory statements, and actions capable of inciting violence.

They stressed that peaceful elections are essential for sustaining investor confidence, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring the country's economic and social stability.

Religious leaders attending the fundraiser echoed the calls for peace, urging Kenyans to reject politicians who promote division and instead support leaders committed to unity, justice, and peaceful coexistence.

They reminded citizens that elections are temporary but the need to live together as one nation remains permanent, calling on communities to safeguard harmony regardless of political differences.

The clerics also encouraged parents and community elders to guide young people away from being recruited into political violence, saying youth should instead become ambassadors of peace and development.

The Somali women who organized the fundraising drive said the initiative aimed to strengthen community welfare while also encouraging civic engagement and women's participation in national affairs.

They emphasized that women have a critical role to play in promoting peace within families and communities, particularly during election periods when political tensions often rise.

As Kenya slowly begins preparations for the 2027 General Election, leaders at the gathering maintained that peaceful campaigns, respect for democratic institutions, active voter registration, and inclusive leadership will be key pillars in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

They concluded by urging all Kenyans to reject violence, embrace dialogue, and work together in protecting the country's unity, saying peaceful elections remain the foundation of a stable democracy and sustainable national development.