Political leaders in Nakuru County have renewed calls for peaceful coexistence, urging residents to reject ethnic politics as early campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election begin to gather pace.
Speaking during a women’s empowerment seminar in Njoro Constituency, Nakuru County Chief Officer for Cooperatives Richard Kibet Kurgat said the county’s diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a source of political division.
He warned residents against politicians who seek to gain support by exploiting ethnic differences, saying Nakuru belongs to all Kenyans regardless of their community or political affiliation.
“We want to assure residents of Nakuru that this is our home, and no one should be intimidated or threatened because of the outcome of the next General Election,” Kurgat said.
“Nakuru is a cosmopolitan county, and every Kenyan has a constitutional right to live and work wherever they choose.”
He urged aspiring leaders to centre their campaigns on policies and development rather than ethnicity, arguing that issue-based politics would strengthen social cohesion and protect the county’s stability. Development should remain the focus
Kurgat said the county government continues to invest in programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, noting that the Wezesha Fund has disbursed KSh12 million in loans to more than 3,000 women and young people over the past three years.
According to the county official, the fund has enabled many small businesses to expand while supporting self-employment among young people. He added that the county is also implementing an affordable motorcycle loan programme to help youth enter the transport sector and generate sustainable incomes.
The initiatives, he said, demonstrate that leaders should prioritise economic empowerment instead of political divisions.
Health and agriculture highlighted as key priorities
Njoro MP Charity Kathambi, represented at the event by John Njihia, also appealed for unity while outlining ongoing government projects in the constituency.
Njihia said public awareness campaigns on the Social Health Authority (SHA) are continuing to encourage more residents to register and access affordable healthcare.
He added that the construction of Njoro Level V Hospital is nearing completion and is expected to improve access to specialised medical services once operational.
On agriculture, Njihia said the government’s subsidised fertiliser programme has reduced production costs for farmers by lowering the price of a bag of fertiliser from KSh7,500 to KSh2,500.
He also cited improvements in roads, electricity connectivity and water infrastructure as evidence of continued investment in the constituency.
Peace seen as essential for development
The leaders concluded by urging residents to safeguard peace before, during and after the 2027 General Election, arguing that political competition should not undermine the county’s social fabric.
For Nakuru, one of Kenya’s fastest-growing and most diverse counties, they said the success of future elections will depend not only on who wins political office but also on whether campaigns remain focused on development rather than ethnic identity
