Lamu, KENYA: Lamu council of elders and Maendeleo ya Wanawake-Lamu chapter have joined hands to end increasing trends of machete wars and deaths among young people in the county.
Speaking when they met in Lamu town on Tuesday, the elders and women announced they had embarked on a peace preaching campaign all across the region to reinforce cohesion among locals.
The two sides appealed to the youth in Lamu to make a vow of peace.
Council chair Sharif Salim challenged parents to try instilling good values in their children as they raise them to enable them be productive members of the society.
“These machete wars are normally because of grudges, people refusing to forgive or seek forgiveness. There are others who just believe killing is the solution and that mindset needs to stop. It’s backward and cowardly. We shall do our best to preach peace but parents must also take their role seriously,” said Salim.
Fatma Hussein of Maendeleo ya Wanawake-Lamu chapter challenged mothers to be positive nurturers of their children so as to raise a credible generation.
“Mothers have the first and greatest contact with their children. We have the power to make our children what we want them to be. Lets teach them the spirit of forgiveness and true statesmanship,” said Hussein.
Over 300 elders and women will take part in the peace campaign which will include walks and meetings in all villages in the region.
