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1. UWIANO Platform for Peace is a collaborative initiative between the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), National Steering Committee on Peace building and Conflict Management (NSC), Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), PeaceNet Kenya and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kenya. As the nation prepares to undergo a political transition, the role of every Kenyan and that of the UWIANO Platform in delivering a peaceful political process is critical.
 

2. The UWIANO Platform for Peace would like to urge all Kenyans to remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election as well as a successful political transition. 

In light of this commitment, the UWIANO Platform is continuously monitoring the various scenarios building up across the country including the on-going political party nominations leading to the 4th March,2013 general elections. 

As a result, we wish to address the nation as follows:
 

I. Party nominations: The UWIANO Platform calls upon party leaders, presidential candidates and all aspirants and political parties and their members to conduct the nominations in a civil and peaceful manner and to obey the law at all times.
 

II. Political tension, Hate Speech and Ethnic intolerance: We note with concern the surge in political anxiety, tension, ethnic intolerance and hate speech related to the ongoing campaigns and related processes.

We encourage political actors to exercise restraint and tolerance to each other. UWIANO Platform urges relevant authorities to take stern action against any person or groups engaging in acts that promote intolerance and breach of peace in the country. Section 13 of the NCIC Act prohibits and criminalizes hate speech and related forms of incitement of the public along ethnic, racial, religious or similar discriminatory criteria with the intention of invoking hatred or violence against any person or a section of the public.
 

III. Security: In the recent past there has been sporadic violence and crime in various areas including major cities and counties. This could be attributed to the present political environment coupled with the emergence of organized criminal gangs who may take advantage of heightened political mobilization to threaten national peace and security.
 

We urge Kenyans to be vigilant and to corporate with the security agencies by reporting any incidents that may be a threat to peace and security. We particularly call upon security agencies to step up the efforts of maintaining law and order in close collaboration with the public.
 

IV. The UWIANO Platform wishes to express their condolence and sympathy to the bereaved families and those affected by the unfortunate Tana Delta conflict. We urge the government and all the stake holders to take all necessary action to resolve the prolonged conflict.
 

V. Interventions: In response to the to the challenges to peace and security, The UWIANO platform for peace has strengthened conflict prevention by scaling up its early warning capacity so as to ensure effective early and Early response across the country. For instance, the platform has been engaging Religious leaders, community leaders, Peace Committees and civil society organizations to address issues around political  tensions and ethnic tensions through facilitating dialogue processes. NCIC and the IEBC continue to address hate speech and disputes around elections.
 

VI. The Inspector General has reassured UWIANO Platform and peace practitioners that all incidences of civil disorder and violence during the on-going political party nominations and subsequent campaigns will result in immediate arrests and prosecution. All aspirants and supporters are therefore reminded that they will be held individually responsible for inciting or taking part in any unlawful acts. We implore Kenyans to work closely with the Police and other actors by sharing information to curb incidences of insecurity.
 

We urge Kenyans to make good use of the UWIANO PLATFORM for Peace and the Conflict Early Warning and Early Response mechanism.
 

Please report any threats to peace and security during this electioneering period through the following contacts:

THIS MESSAGE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY UWIANO PLATFORM FOR PEACE AND ITS PARTNERS.