The concerned citizens for peace initiative came into being on January 1, 2008 after violence erupted in Kenya following claims of rigging and a flawed election process in the country. The original five core members- who included Kenyan peace mediators and members of the civil society- started the group in order to rally for peace and tolerance and to call for dialogue after the country witnessed its worst post-election violence that led to political and ethnic killings and the wanton destruction of property. The group wanted to see a Kenya without violence, a Kenya that is not divided on political or tribal lines. They wanted to see a peaceful Kenya, which had one people who were called Kenyan.
The original five core members included:
- Ambassador Bethuel Kiplagat- Kenyan renowned peace mediator and former special envoy for Somalia
- General Daniel Opande (Rtd) – Kenyan renowned Peacekeeper in Liberia
- General Lazaro Sumbeiywo (Rtd) – served as Kenya’s Special Envoy to the IGAD-led Sudanese peace process (1997-98) and then as mediator (2001-05)
- Ms. Dekha Ibrahim Abdi
- George Wachira- a policy advisor with NPI
The concerned citizens for peace initiative works in two levels:
- Creation of a conducive peaceful environment
- Encouraging dialogue on pertinent issues during the current crisis
For more information on the group contact:
Ms. Dekha Ibrahim Abdi: 0721 915 853
Mr. George Wachira: 0722 407 164
Shalini Gidoomal beadsandbush (@) mac.com
Administration: Shalini Gidoomal beadsandbush(@) mac.com>
I am concerned for peace and I am a student at Daystar University pursuing Master of Theology in African Christianity and I come from the rural parts of Bomet District. I would like to be a member of CCP and be meaningully involved as volunteer in any of the initiatives particularly with regards to my field of expertise. I hope to hear from you soon
Kiplangat
iam a student in Kenyatta university and i experienced the bitter side of post-election violence.i have already done touching song of peace it will be my pleasure to contact me and join you in bridging peace.