The Special Olympics Kenya in partnership with the
National Police Service, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and
the Mkenya Daima Initiative, have today launched the Amani Torch Run with the aim
of reaching two million Kenyan youth with the message of peace and inclusivity ahead
of the general election on August 9, 2022.
The Amani Torch Run will tour the 47 counties, until July 5, 2022, when the torch will
return to Nairobi for the lighting of the National Peace & Inclusion flame which will
culminate into the signing of the NCIC Peace & Accountability Charter and the Mkenya
Daima Peace and Leadership Pledge, by political leaders and Kenyans alike.
The Amani Torch Run that is divided into seven routes – Rift Valley, North Eastern,
Western, Nyanza, Coast, Eastern and Central regions – will contribute to the Mkenya
Daima message of ‘Nitatenda Wajibu Wangu’ (taking responsibility) towards electoral
participation, the NCIC Election Bila Noma Campaign as well as the Special Olympics
vision of creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person
is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.
“Nothing brings people together like sports, as we launch The Amani Torch Run today
in Nairobi, our vision is to reach and share the message of inclusivity and peace to all
Kenyans with and without intellectual disabilities, said Thuo Cege, Chairman of Special
Olympics Kenya.
Thuo added that persons with intellectual disabilities were considerably more
vulnerable to overarching threats arising from electoral violence, with their plight
often unaccounted for.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Vimal Shah, Chair, Mkenya Daima Initiative welcomed the
initiative and encouraged more public and private collaboration in advancing the
message of peace and positive electoral participation by the youth and all citizens
throughout the country.