Amani Torch Run with Special Olympics Kenya
Special Olympics Kenya in partnership with the National Police Service, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Mkenya Daima Initiative launched a Law Enforcement Torch Run dubbed the Amani (Peace) Torch Run with the aim of reaching two million Kenyan youth with the message of peace and inclusivity ahead of the general election on 9 August 9, 2022.
The Special Olympics Kenya in partnership with the National Police service, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Mkenya Daima Initiative launched a Law Enforcement Torch Run dubbed the Amani(peace) 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 9th, 2022.
The launch was presided by several dignitaries including, the President and Managing Director SOA Mr. Charles Nyambe, Chairman National Cohesion and Integration Commission Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of National Police Service, Mr. Edward Mbugua, Industrialist and Chairman of Mkenya Daima, Mr.Vimal Shah, UN Resident Coordinator for Kenya Dr. Stephen Jackson, CEO of the National Youth Council, Mr. Roy Telewa among other high level personalities. The occasion was attended by over 300 athletes and police officers.
The DIG and athlete Joshua Agare lit the torch while the above-mentioned dignitaries did the flagging off. Police men of Kasarani Sub County where the torch was lit, led by the Officer Commanding Police Division(OCPD) Mr. Peter Mwanzo run together with the athletes up to the Starehe Division where they handed over the torch to the Starehe Division OCPD Mr. Julius Kiragu who will continue with the relay to the next police division.
The Amani Torch Run will tour the 47 counties, when the torch will return to Nairobi for the lighting of the National Peace & Inclusion flame which will coincide with the signing of the Peace & Accountability Charter by political leaders and Kenyans alike.
The Amani Torch Run that is divided into seven routes — Riftvalley, Northeastern, Western, Nyanza, Coast, and Eastern 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.
Media Coverage
The event attracted a lot of media attention. A section was televised live by the state owned Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) which has a national viewership and was also reported by many other news outlets.
https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/kenya-launches-the-amani-torch-run/
https://businesstoday.co.ke/special-olympics-kenya-kicks-off-amani-torch-run/
https://twitter.com/NPSOfficial_KE/status/1541744675756859393
Handing over of the torch at Starehe Division https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V7C7QB4Kb3g8dbKY8B__CDdDzg5FMlYK/view?usp=sharing
