Press Statement

AFC Leopards Vs Gor Mahia Peace Football Match

(Nairobi 16th December 2011)

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is established under the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008 enacted after the 2007/8 post election violence and subsequent political negotiations. The Commission’s object and purpose, as provided in Section 25 of the Act is to facilitate and promote equality of opportunity, good relations, harmony and peaceful coexistence between persons of the different ethnic communities of Kenya and advise the Government on all aspects thereof.

There exists underlying indifferences created by several aspects in direction of passion for football, often expressed violently, sometimes resulting to fatalities, injuries and wanton destruction of property. In this light, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has partnered with Arena Media to hold a Peace Football Match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards tomorrow, Saturday 17th December 2011 at the Nyayo Stadium at 4 pm. The peace match aims at creating an understanding and a conducive environment for peace to reign in Kenya through the use of football among other things. The purpose is also to cultivate tenets and pillars of peaceful football matches.

There is tremendous growth in the number of initiatives and projects around the world using the medium of sport to promote peace, co-existence, human rights and sustainable development. Sport is a tool that can be positively used to promote development and peace, a developer of social improvement, a movement for social change and community empowerment.

Participating in sports can build confidence and teach life skills, entire communities can benefit from sport initiatives. Sports movements and organizations represent opportunities for empowerment. If managed well, these movements represent a unique arena for participation and expression.

The Commission appreciates the work of our sportsmen and women in using sports to promote national cohesion and integration and peaceful co-existence amongst Kenyans. Gone are the days when competing teams, especially football would fight after matches. They have now embraced the culture of tolerance for each other and diversity even though they are on competing ends. NCIC urges you to continue using football and other different sports to cultivate peace in Kenya. We take this opportunity to thank Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards for accepting to participate in tomorrow’s peace match and wish them the best.

HASSAN S. MOHAMED, OGW

COMMISSION SECRETARY