Elders, it is said, are the store and bastions of wisdom, sobriety, patience and justice.
They advise, assist, console, negotiate and reconcile individually and collectively during events, conflicts and even happy events like marriage ceremonies.
This is according to the Kamba Council of Elders (Atumia ma Thome) Kitui County Executive Council chairman Boniface Kameta.
“The Swahili say, “Penye wazee hapaharibiki neno’,” the elder said.
He led his members when they issued a statement in Kitui Town, recently.
They said the Panel of Eminent Persons led by the late former United Nations Secretary General, Dr. Kofi Annan which saved Kenya during the post-election violence was a good example of the critical roles elderly people play in society.
They said Kenya is currently facing similar predicament as the country is heading towards potentially violent general election next year.
“This must not be allowed to happen,” Kameta said.
“Elders from all the communities in Kenya must intervene and ensure that their people vote and peacefully accept the electoral results,” Kameta said.
“Fellow Kenyans and residents of Kitui County, we as elders in Ukambani region wish to strongly warn that should elders from different communities in the country fail to maturely and consistently advise our communities, then we risk balkanising Kenya,” he added.
He said that as much as the elders would like their own to lead the country, it is more important to know that Kenya will and should be one and comes first.
He said this will enable the common citizen to peacefully earn their livelihood and be secure in whatever part of the nation they are.
He encouraged Atumia ma Thome, and other elders councils in the country to discuss on peaceful electoral process in the country.
“Let politicians desist from inflammatory and inciting language.
The use of the abusive language like saying a certain leader is barking like a dog must be strongly condemned,” Kameta said.
He said the elders are ready and willing to guide and intervene to ensure Kenya has peaceful elections.
“The Atumia ma Thome will be on the frontline to ensure this is achieved,” the chairman said.
