Turbo: Turbo Sub-county Assistant County Commissioner, Charles Cheseto, has urged politicians to mobilize communities towards the realization of critical development projects and focus on agendas that address community needs instead of promoting divisive politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Assistant County Commissioner in-charge of Turbo Sub-county in Uasin Gishu County, made the remarks during a homecoming ceremony at his home in Kakapel, Teso North Sub-county, where family, friends, and residents gathered to celebrate his attainment of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification.
He underscored that leaders seeking elective office should consult wananchi to understand the challenges facing their communities before making campaign promises, noting that development can only be achieved through responsive leadership.
Cheseto urged politicians to conduct peaceful campaigns and allow voters to make informed choices based on candidates' manifestos and track records rather than incitement or political intolerance. He warned against using supporters to fuel political violence, saying they are often the ones who suffer while politicians move on after elections. 'You find supporters of different candidates clashing, yet after the campaigns the leaders return to their homes while it is the supporters who are left nursing injuries. Let us respect one another and resolve our differences peacefully,' he said.
Cheseto challenged voters to hold leaders accountable by assessing whether they fulfil the promises they make during election campaigns. 'When election time comes, we should have a checklist of what leaders promised and what they have delivered. That is how citizens will make informed choices,' he said.
He further appealed to residents to reject tribalism and politics of hatred, saying unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence are essential for sustainable development. 'We should walk in love, embrace politics that unites communities, and reject politics that breeds hatred and division. Development can only thrive where there is peace and unity,' he added.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ang'urai East Member of County Assembly (MCA), Joseph Eseme, urged residents to maintain peace during the campaign period and avoid provoking supporters of rival candidates. Eseme called on political leaders to market their manifestos peacefully and urged voters to elect leaders based on their ability to address the needs of the people rather than along tribal or partisan lines.