As the citizens of Kenya prepare for presidential and general elections on 9 August 2022, Special Olympics Kenya athletes, Law Enforcement Officers and honored guests joined together for an LETR (Law Enforcement Torch Run) event to promote peaceful elections. The kickoff event took place on 28 June at the Kasarani Stadium and will be replicated in each of Kenya’s 47 counties ahead of the elections. The country’s 2007 were marred by ethnic violence, and though elections have been peaceful since then, it is the hope by those participating in the gathering that calm will continue at the polls.
The LETR kickoff included speeches and calls for peace from Special Olympics Kenya chairman Thuo Cege, Special Olympics Kenya Athlete Leadership Council member Sammy Kamande, and President/Managing Director of the Special Olympics Africa Region, Charles Nyambe. Top leadership from law enforcement organizations and supporting corporations also shared inspiring words.
Special Olympics Youth Council members performed a Peace Dance and gave audience members an opportunity to learn the steps. Mr. Nyambe said, “Dances like these help bring words and concepts, that may be hard to read or understand, to even more people in a fun way that can catch on in a big way.”
All in attendance were invited to warm up on the field together before the Torch Run which started with live music from the police band. The event was streamed on national television and covered by national media.
To learn more, read samples of the press coverage below:
